Celtic flop completes loan move to familiar surroundings as European club bank on 'proven' track record
Winger set for loan move after frustrating season in green and white
Celtic have announced winger Michel-Ange Balikwisha has been sent out on loan to Belgian side Gent - who will have an option to buy him at the end of the season.
The 25-year old DR Congo international completed his £5m move from Royal Antwerp to Parkhead last summer. Despite arriving with a reputation, he wasn’t able to trouble the scoresheet last season, finishing with 0 goals and a solitary assist. As he now returns to the city of his birth, Gent are hoping his fortunes will change in more familiar surroundings.
Balikwisha came through the ranks in Belgium before his Hoops switch, having started his career at Standard Liege before moving to Antwerp. He notched double figures multiple times in the Pro League, as Gent boss Rik de Mil believes the player has a ‘proven’ track record. His side recently defeated Celtic’s Premiership rivals Hibs 3-2 on aggregate to qualify for the Conference League.
Hoops flop loaned out to Gent
As Celtic announced Balikwisha’s departure, they wished the winger well in his new chapter. They said via X: “We can confirm that Michel-Ange Balikwisha has joined KAA Gent on a season-long loan, with an option to buy. Good luck, Bali!”
The winger was trusted by former boss Brendan Rodgers early on in his Hoops career to start against Rangers at Ibrox in the first Old Firm derby of the season. However, as he failed to hit the ground running it was noticeable from the get-go that confidence was lacking.
Balikwisha found himself behind James Forrest, Yang Hyun-jun and Sebastian Tounekti in the selection pecking order last season - and with the big-money summer additions of Camilo Duran and Haissem Hassan arriving in the summer, he slid further away. If Gent trigger the option to buy the Congolese wide man at the end of the season then his career in Glasgow will officially come to an end.
Gent on Balikwisha loan signing
Manager De Mil said of the winger’s arrival: “Balikwisha is an experienced player who knows the Belgian league well. He has proven on numerous occasions that he can make the difference with an individual action, an assist, or a goal. We are therefore very happy that he is joining our squad.”
Club Chief Kjeld Fort added: “It has always been our plan to further strengthen our attack during this transfer window. We have made clear agreements with the coach regarding this. Michel-Ange needs little introduction in the Belgian league. He is fast, goal-oriented, technically strong, and versatile. Moreover, he is particularly driven to reach his best level again.”
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