Exclusive: Celtic well placed to ‘get deal done’ for Balikwisha
Celtic are well-placed to agree a deal to sign Royal Antwerp winger Michel-Ange Balikwisha during the summer transfer window.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed what sources have told him about their summer transfer plans.
Balikwisha, 24, has been a long-term target for Rodgers and they have now been given encouragement over the deal as Antwerp are dealing with financial issues.
Football Insider revealed in December that Celtic could reignite their interest in Balikwisha and scouts have been keeping a close eye on his progress this season.
They opted against making a move in January shortly after his return to full fitness, but there is now real potential for them to “get a deal done”.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Celtic are prepared to back Brendan Rodgers in the market, and Balikwisha is firmly on his radar.
Celtic plot Balikwisha swoop amid ‘£5million’ latest
Football Insider revealed that Rodgers will demand Celtic back him financially as he aims to build on their success and compete in the Champions League.
Ahead of their return to Europe’s premier competition, the Hoops are aiming to improve their squad, with a new winger near the top of their list of targets.
O’Rourke explained that they have been assessing a number of targets, and could pull off a “bargain” deal for Balikwisha as Antwerp value him at around £5millon.
“There’s real potential that Celtic could finally get a deal done for Balikwisha,” he told Football Insider.
“He’s been a long-term target for them, they tried to sign him in the summer transfer window last year but an injury and failing to agree a price stopped their hopes.
“There interest has never gone away, they’ve continued to keep tabs on him.
“He has got back to full fitness after a bad injury and finished the season strongly.
“Celtic will be in the market for a new winger and Balikwisha has remained on the radar.
“They’ve been given a boost in their pursuit as well, reports are suggesting in Belgium that Royal Antwerp are experiencing some financial problems.
“They may have to cash in on some of their players, and with the 24-year-old in the final year of his contract Celtic could land him for a bargain fee of £5million.”
Brendan Rodgers eyes sensational Kyogo Furuhashi return
Another top target for Celtic this summer is at striker, where they have been aiming to strengthen since the departure of Kyogo Furuhashi in January.
Football Insider revealed on 15 June that Celtic are now eyeing a return for Kyogo, who dropped out of the Rennes team following Jorge Sampaoli’s departure.
However, they are not willing to pay anywhere close to the eight-figure fee they received just five months ago, but the move could happen if all parties were willing.
This comes after Football Insider revealed in March that Celtic could agree a deal for Kyogo’s return if they can strike a deal which is too good to turn down.
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