Latest news with #Michel-AngeBalikwisha
Yahoo
19 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Celtic transfer explosion as Balikwisha talks 'personal terms', striker on brink and Angulo brings the house down
Persistent Celtic have restarted talks with long-term target Michel-Ange Balikwisha with discussions over personal terms underway – according to a leading report in Belgium. The Royal Antwerp winger has been on the Parkhead signing radar over the previous two windows and now the former Red Devils' U21 star is expected to leave his homeland this summer. Advertisement Now signing insider Sacha Tavolieri states the Premiership champions have triggered dialogue with the coveted wide man. READ MORE: Lennon Miller to Celtic transfer bid poised for relaunch as James Penrice scouted amid left back hunt READ MORE: Panicked Rangers diehard drops £40m transfer bomb after Cerny KO as Tierney suffers brutal Hotline slapdown Michel-Ange Balikwisha of Royal Antwerp -Credit:Photonews via Getty Images Balikwisha directly addressed Celtic earlier this year but admitted his injury issues kiboshed any potential switch to Glasgow. Celtic are honing in on fresh impetus in wide areas with Jota out for the long term and fellow starter Nicolas Kuhn widely expected to attract interest from elsewhere in the coming months. Advertisement And that means Balikwisha isn't the only winger on the agenda with fellow Jupiler Pro League star Nilson Angulo attracting interest with reports in Belgium claiming Celtic had an initial bid tossed out. The 21-year-old started Ecuador's gutsy 0-0 draw away to Peru which sealed their qualification for the World Cup in North America. And now Anderlecht are braced for fresh interest in a player who has enjoyed a stratospheric rise since leaving him homeland in 2022. Nilson Angulo of RSC Anderlecht takes a shot at goal -Credit:Alex BierensAnother winger who could also be back in the mix is Sondre Ørjasæter with Sky Sports claiming the £7m-rated Sarpsborg star remains high on the agenda. Advertisement Boss Brendan Rodgers appears to be getting the front-foot window he craves with Kieran Tierney signed, sealed and delivered and Ross Doohan soon to follow as the third-choice goalkeeper after Scott Bain's exit. And the next signing appears imminent with Callum Osmand set to sign a long-term deal after being tempted north from the Fulham B team. The Wales youth international turned heads last season but will join the Premiership champions despite being wanted to become a part of the Cottagers' first team. Follow Record Sport on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for all of the up-to-the minute breaking news, video and audio on the SPFL, the Scotland national team and beyond. Advertisement You can get all the news you need on our dedicated Rangers and Celtic pages, and sign up to our newsletters to make sure you never miss a beat throughout the season. We're also WhatsApp where we bring all the latest breaking news and transfer gossip directly to your phone. Join our Rangers community here and our Celtic community here. Tune in to Hotline Live every Sunday to Thursday and have your say on the biggest issues in Scottish football and listen to Record Sport's newest podcast, Game On, every Friday for your sporting fix, all in bitesize chunks.
Yahoo
19 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
The million Celtic wingers linked with a transfer to the champions rated and slated
Brendan Rodgers famously quipped about having a million wingers during his first spell in charge at Celtic. The Hoops boss has had a fair few in his second stint but all of a sudden wide men are thin on the ground at Parkhead. Advertisement Star man Jota is out of commission until 2026, Luis Palma looks to be on his way out and there are still questions whether Yang Hyun-jun has what it takes to cut it at the club. READ MORE: Rangers transfer news as big spenders join Matija Frigan chase and Vaclav Cerny loan terms 'revealed' READ MORE: Hamza Igamane sparks Rangers transfer battle as EPL and French clubs line up bids as stellar price tag set Nicolas Kuhn and Daizen Maeda are the main men – even though Maeda played through the middle for half of last season and James Forrest is still around, of course, but at 34 years old now, a 60-game season is a big ask. Advertisement It's no wonder Rodgers is looking to strengthen in the wide areas – and has cast his net far and wide. There might not be a million of them yet, but the Hoops are in the hunt for plenty and here are the names who have shot to the top of the wishlist. Record Sport rates and slates them here... Benjamin Nygren The Nordsjaelland wide man is a hot property in Denmark after an impressive season and breakout performances for the Sweden national side. The 23-year-old was a sensation as a teenager when he burst on to the scene at IFK Goteborg but his big move to Genk didn't quick spark and he spent a couple of seasons in Holland. Benjamin Nygren of FC Nordsjælland -Credit:Kristian Tuxen Ladegaard Berg/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images He's hit the gas again in Denmark though and was a smash hit for Sweden in recent clashes, notching two goals in three games. Advertisement Nygren is heading into the final six months of his contract and could be picked up for a bargain £2million – although there is interest elsewhere. Michel-Ange Balikwisha The Royal Antwerp attacker was a target last summer before injury halted the move but he remains on the watch list. At 24-year-old, he's got bags of experience in Belgian having previously been at Standard Liege and was a regular for the Red Devils at under 21 level. Michel-Ange Balikwisha in action for Royal Antwerp Balikwisha is heading into the final year of his contract and while Antwerp might be looking for up to £5m, Celts might be able to land him for less. Sondre Orjasaeter The Norwegian under 21 cap came close to joining Celts in January but felt he wasn't ready to make the jump from Sarpsborg. Advertisement The Hoops haven't gone away though and there's a feeling the time could now be right for the attacker, who can play on either flank or through the middle. Norway's Sondre Holmlund Orjasaeter -Credit:NTB/AFP via Getty Images Orjasaeter wouldn't come cheap though. Celtic's £4m bid was bounced in January and Sarpsborg are looking to bank up to £7m after a solid start to the season in Norway. Nilson Angulo Celtic scouts have clearly been busy in Belgium land the Anderlecht attacker is another one on the wishlist. The Ecuador international – who turns 22 this month – has been attracting attention from all over Europe after an impressive display against Brazil last week. Nilson Angulo of RSC Anderlecht takes a shot at goal -Credit:Alex BierensAngulo is rapid and would give Celts the pace Rodgers loves in his team and although he's stated his desire to stay with Anderlecht and fight for his place, a deal could be done if the price was right. Advertisement It's thought he could be secured for around £3m – but it would depend on interest from elsewhere. Raul Moro Celtic have been watching the Real Valladolid prospect for a while – but they are not the only ones. Moro was a stand out for the La Liga side during a tough season when they went down and they are looking to cash in. Raul Moro (LEFT) -Credit:Getty Images The Spain under 21 star's value has rocketed though – and it could cost at least £8m to get him in the door. Nottingham Forest are also thought to be in the hunt, along with Bournemouth and several sides in his homeland.
The National
2 days ago
- Sport
- The National
Michel-Ange Balikwisha in airport teaser amid Celtic links
It was reported earlier in the week that the Parkhead club had re-entered the race to sign the 23-year-old, with discussions underway regarding personal terms. Read more: Now, Balikwisha has taken to Instagram, posting a picture on his story with the location tagged at Nice Airport, writing, 'Here we go again.' Michel-Ange Balikwisha's Instagram story. (Image: Instagram/@mickeybali32) The Belgian has been a long-term Celtic target. Despite an injury-plagued 2024/25 campaign, Balikwisha still managed to conjure up four goals and three assists in 17 games for his club, Royal Antwerp. He spoke about his career to local Belgian media earlier in the year: "Without the injuries I have had this season, I probably wouldn't be at Antwerp anymore," said Balikwisha. "I suffered a meniscus in the 2024 winter transfer window. And last summer, Celtic, Lille and Lens came knocking, and I was out again at a bad time. I don't know whether I will leave this summer. The chairman and Marc Overmars will be in charge of that in the coming weeks. "How I end the play-offs will determine a lot. If I continue on this path with the way I am playing, things can go quickly. "If it turns out that my Antwerp story is coming to an end, then I hope to sign elsewhere in time, so that I can play a farewell match to the fans."
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Record
Celtic transfer explosion as Balikwisha talks 'personal terms', striker on brink and Angulo brings the house down
The Premiership champions are racing ahead in their pursuit of fresh arrivals with three wingers linked Persistent Celtic have restarted talks with long-term target Michel-Ange Balikwisha with discussions over personal terms underway – according to a leading report in Belgium. The Royal Antwerp winger has been on the Parkhead signing radar over the previous two windows and now the former Red Devils' U21 star is expected to leave his homeland this summer. Now signing insider Sacha Tavolieri states the Premiership champions have triggered dialogue with the coveted wide man. Balikwisha directly addressed Celtic earlier this year but admitted his injury issues kiboshed any potential switch to Glasgow. Celtic are honing in on fresh impetus in wide areas with Jota out for the long term and fellow starter Nicolas Kuhn widely expected to attract interest from elsewhere in the coming months. And that means Balikwisha isn't the only winger on the agenda with fellow Jupiler Pro League star Nilson Angulo attracting interest with reports in Belgium claiming Celtic had an initial bid tossed out. The 21-year-old started Ecuador's gutsy 0-0 draw away to Peru which sealed their qualification for the World Cup in North America. And now Anderlecht are braced for fresh interest in a player who has enjoyed a stratospheric rise since leaving him homeland in 2022. Another winger who could also be back in the mix is Sondre Ørjasæter with Sky Sports claiming the £7m-rated Sarpsborg star remains high on the agenda. Boss Brendan Rodgers appears to be getting the front-foot window he craves with Kieran Tierney signed, sealed and delivered and Ross Doohan soon to follow as the third-choice goalkeeper after Scott Bain's exit. And the next signing appears imminent with Callum Osmand set to sign a long-term deal after being tempted north from the Fulham B team. The Wales youth international turned heads last season but will join the Premiership champions despite being wanted to become a part of the Cottagers' first team. Follow Record Sport on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for all of the up-to-the minute breaking news, video and audio on the SPFL, the Scotland national team and beyond. You can get all the news you need on our dedicated Rangers and Celtic pages, and sign up to our newsletters to make sure you never miss a beat throughout the season. We're also WhatsApp where we bring all the latest breaking news and transfer gossip directly to your phone. Join our Rangers community here and our Celtic community here.
Daily Record
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Michel-Ange Balikwisha clears Celtic transfer block as Owen Coyle reveals exit remorse and Dolan hunt just starting
The winger is in the form of his life months after admitting he reneged on exiting the Pro League side due to his ongoing injury woes. Red-hot Michel-Ange Balikwisha is giving a Celtic transfer a thumbs-up in more ways than one as he stands on the brink of a money-spinning exit from Royal Antwerp. The winger is in the form of his life months after admitting he reneged on exiting the Pro League side due to his ongoing injury woes. Celtic have long been admirers of a £6million-rated wide man who has earned rave reviews for his displays during the Belgian League playoffs with onlookers extolling his game-winning potential which includes two goals and four assists in his past five games. Balikwisha has been personally responding to Celtic fans on social media touting him for Glasgow's east end and appears ready to signal the green light on exiting his homeland after previously vowing to stay in situ until he was fully fit. Celtic have been linked with Tyrhys Dolan and Blackburn Rovers are doing all they can to keep him in situ. Rovers fans chanted for him to stay following their season-ending game against Sheffield United and boss Valerien Ismael reckons the free agent – valued at £8million – will take pause for breath before making his final call. He said: "I think yes, that's my feeling. Personally, I will do that. Personally, I will do that to take my time to assess the situation. "Just to reflect on everything and to make the right decision. This is the most difficult one for the club, for sure. He will take his time, go on holiday and assess what he will do. It is his decision. "As I say, he put himself in that position. It's a good position for him, so we have to respect that. We have to be patient, we will try to keep him and fight for our players. "He knows the environment he's got, the love we give him. But at some point, it depends on the offer he has. Sometimes the offer dictates your decision. "When you put yourself in a strong position in the transfer market and with your performances, you can get the rewards with a bigger offer, better opportunities. You have to accept this part of the game. "We will see, it is about negotiations. He is an important player in the team and that's what we can give him." Meanwhile. Owen Coyle reckons Celtic should keep Greg Taylor and believes a 'really good player' will be exiting if he departs Celtic Park this summer. Speaking to Open Goal, he said: "I think I would keep Taylor (in the team). When you come from Kilmarnock for example, people are like, 'it's not that big'. They want big and fancy signings, and everything else, but he has shown to be a really, really good player." You can get all the news you need on our dedicated Rangers and Celtic pages, and sign up to our newsletters to make sure you never miss a beat throughout the season. We're also WhatsApp where we bring all the latest breaking news and transfer gossip directly to your phone. Join our Rangers community here and our Celtic community here.
