Celtic Glasgow Complete €5.5m Signing of Michel-Ange Balikwisha From Royal Antwerp.
Glasgow, July 22, 2025 — Celtic FC have made a major move in the summer transfer window by securing the services of Belgian winger Michel-Ange Balikwisha from Royal Antwerp for a reported fee of €5.5 million. The 24-year-old arrives at Celtic Park after an impressive spell in the Belgian Pro League and is expected to bring pace, flair, and goal-scoring ability to Brendan Rodgers’ attacking options.
The transfer, confirmed by both clubs on Monday evening, marks Celtic’s third major signing of the summer as they aim to retain their Scottish Premiership title and make a meaningful impact in European competition.
A Rising Star in Belgian Football
Balikwisha, who was born in Ghent and developed through the youth system of Standard Liège, made his senior breakthrough in 2020. He quickly earned a reputation for his direct style of play, creativity, and ability to take on defenders. After transferring to Royal Antwerp in 2021, he became a regular starter and played a key role in Antwerp’s domestic and European campaigns over the past three seasons.
During the 2024–25 season, Balikwisha featured in 37 matches for Antwerp across all competitions, scoring 8 goals and providing 9 assists. His consistent performances attracted interest from clubs across Europe, including Ligue 1 and Bundesliga sides, but it was Celtic who moved decisively to secure his signature.
Rodgers: “Michel-Ange Has That X-Factor”
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers expressed his delight at the acquisition, praising Balikwisha’s technical ability and mentality.
“Michel-Ange has that X-factor — he’s a player who can change games with a moment of brilliance,” Rodgers said in a club statement. “He’s quick, skilful, and intelligent with the ball. We believe he’ll adapt quickly to the Scottish game and add real value to our squad, particularly in European nights where individual talent can make the difference.”
Rodgers is believed to have personally spoken with Balikwisha to convince him of the club’s ambitions and his role in the team. The winger has reportedly signed a four-year contract with the Glasgow giants, keeping him at Parkhead until at least the summer of 2029.
Player Reaction: “A Dream Move”
Speaking to Celtic TV following his official unveiling, Balikwisha described the move as a dream come true.
“I’m very excited to be here. Celtic is a massive club with amazing fans and a great history,” he said. “When I spoke with the manager and saw the plans for the team, I knew this was the right place for me to take the next step in my career. I can’t wait to play in front of the supporters at Celtic Park.”
The Congolese-Belgian winger, who has represented Belgium at U21 level, also hinted at his ambitions to break into the senior national team and sees his move to Scotland as a platform to further develop his game.
Squad Depth and Tactical Flexibility
Balikwisha’s arrival adds further depth to Celtic’s wide attacking options, which already include the likes of Liel Abada, Daizen Maeda, and Luis Palma. His versatility — capable of playing on either wing or as a central attacking midfielder — gives Rodgers more tactical flexibility heading into a busy season.
The signing also signals Celtic’s intent to continue rebuilding with a focus on young, dynamic talent who can grow within the club and potentially generate value on the European stage.
With UEFA Champions League qualification matches looming, Celtic fans will hope Balikwisha can hit the ground running and provide the creative spark needed in high-stakes fixtures.
Antwerp Say Farewell
Royal Antwerp released a heartfelt statement thanking Balikwisha for his contributions over the past three seasons. Club officials acknowledged that while it was difficult to part ways with such a talented player, the move was in the best interest of both the club and the player.
“Michel-Ange has been a fantastic servant for our club and a key part of our recent success. We wish him all the best at Celtic and will be watching his progress with pride,” the club wrote.
What’s Next for Celtic?
Balikwisha’s signing comes amid a busy summer for Celtic, who are also reportedly close to finalizing deals for a new central midfielder and backup goalkeeper. There have also been ongoing rumors about potential outgoings, with speculation surrounding the futures of Matt O’Riley and Kyogo Furuhashi.
Still, the mood around the club remains optimistic, with the board backing Rodgers to shape a team capable of competing domestically and in Europe.
If Balikwisha lives up to his promise, Celtic may have landed a bargain in the €5.5m deal a figure that could look modest in hindsight if the Belgian winger flourishes in green and white
Leave a Reply