Celtic now close to signing £5m winger out of nowhere

Celtic are now close to signing the £5 million-rated winger out of nowhere as the replacement for Nicolas Kuhn.
Celtic FC v Rangers FC - Cinch Scottish Premiership
Celtic FC v Rangers FC - Cinch Scottish Premiership | Stu Forster/GettyImages

It feels like a lot has already happened in this summer transfer window and we are still in the first week of July. Celtic have already completed five signings and if things go according to expectations, there could be plenty more arrivals over the coming weeks and months. The next one looks likely to be a winger as Nicolas Kuhn heads for Como FC and needs to be replaced.

Earlier in the day, rumours had broken out about Celtic wanting to sign Isak Jansson of Rapid Vienna as Kuhn's replacement. But now, it appears that they are closing in on a move for a different winger.

Of course, Celtic might end up signing two wingers this summer as Jota's long-term injury cannot be overlooked. And it appears that a move for Michel-Ange Balikwisha, someone who has been on their radar since last year, is not far away.

As reported by Voetbalkrant, Balikwisha is close to a transfer to Celtic. The Scottish club have been in talks for some time and are now pushing through. Royal Antwerp would like to conclude quickly, also because the Belgian winger has entered his last year of contract and he is not extending.

Celtic now close to signing £5m winger out of nowhere

Earlier in the summer, there were rumours that Royal Antwerp wanted a transfer fee in the region of £5 million in order to part ways with Balikwisha, something Celtic were not ready to shell out. As a result, talks had stalled over a deal.

Now, it has been claimed that Celtic are closing in on the deal to sign the Belgian winger. So, one has to wonder whether Royal Antwerp have dropped their asking fee.

Balikwisha appears to be a brilliant talent. But he is coming off an injury-riddled season. So, there is some risk involved in the move for sure. Let's see when it becomes reality.