Unfortunately, Celtic are a club that often allow things to drag on when it comes to their transfer business. In the past, that has resulted in them missing out on players who go on to succeed elsewhere. Who can forget the John McGinn saga, during Brendan Rodgers' first spell at Parkhead? That was not a rare incident either. And now, it looks like the Hoops could end up on the wrong end again for not showing enough urgency.
There are quite a few players that Celtic have been linked with for more than a year now. They already missed out on Mathias Kvistgaarden earlier in the window. It looks like the same result awaits them when it comes to Michel-Ange Balikwisha as well.
Balikwisha has been on Celtic's radar since last summer. Royal Antwerp are believed to be open to the idea of parting ways with him as well but the Hoops have not met their transfer valuation.
And now, it appears he could be headed elsewhere. As reported by Top Mercato, Balikwisha is in advanced talks with a Ligue 1 club that qualified for Europe. Leeds United, Southampton, Hoffenheim and Borussia Monchengladbach are also in the race to sign him.
'Advanced talks' - Celtic transfer saga takes late U-turn
So, it appears that Balikwisha is getting closer to a move to France. Paris Saint-Germain, Marseille, AS Monaco, Nice, Lille, Lyon and Strasbourg are the French clubs that have qualified for Europe this season. So, it has to be amongst one of them.
Out of those, someone like Balikwisha fits Strasbourg's transfer policy the most. But it would not be a surprise if a few of the others on that list have him on their radar as well.
Balikwisha is coming off an injury-riddled season. But he has been considered one of the brightest talents in the Belgian league for a few years now. So, Celtic could be about to miss out on a major coup here. One that they should have gotten done weeks ago. They left it late though and allowed other clubs to enter the race, and even take the lead.
It is even more confusing because of the fact that Nicolas Kuhn's exit was completed in early July, while it has been known for months that Jota is likely to remain out injured for the rest of the year. Yet, Celtic have not shown any real urgency when it comes to going out and signing a winger this summer. The league season starts this weekend. No wonder Rodgers has been talking about the need for ambition in the media lately.