Every summer, there seems to be at least one high-profile Celtic exit. We get that that is part of the model and how the club keeps moving forward. But it would be nice to make a real run in the Champions League at some point in time. In this transfer window, Nicolas Kuhn is the one who has headed for the exit door, joining Como FC, the ambitious Italian club looking to make their mark under the management of Cesc Fabregas.
For Celtic, it is now about finding a replacement for Kuhn. The German winger was a key part of Brendan Rodgers' plans and a talisman in their Champions League campaign last season, scoring against RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich, incidentally both his former teams.
Celtic do seem to be closing in on a player who could be viewed as Kuhn's replacement. He has been on their radar going back to last summer.
We are talking about none other than Michel-Ange Balikwisha, the Belgian winger from Royal Antwerp. As reported by Voetbal Nieuws (via CQN), the clubs are nearing an agreement.
Celtic close to reaching agreement to sign £5m player
Balikwisha is a phenomenal talent, there is no doubt about that. Not only has he impressed for Royal Antwerp but he has played regularly at the youth international level for Belgium as well.
That being said, one cannot overlook the fact that he is coming off an injury-riddled campaign. So, it remains to be seen if he can rediscover his form.
On top of that, it appears that he will be moving to a completely different league and play under the unique pressure that comes at Parkhead. So, if the move does end up happening, Celtic fans will need to give him the time he needs to adjust and find his feet in Scotland.