Celtic need to speed things up a bit in the transfer market if they want to start the 25/26 season on the right foot. Right now, this team looks very undercooked and paper-thin in terms of squad depth going into the new campaign. That's not what you would have expected, considering Brendan Rodgers is in the final year of his contract and there is a need to convince him to extend. In that regard, the club could not have done a worse job if they tried.
What is done is done though. The smart thing is to focus on the future. There are merely days left before Celtic welcome St Mirren to Parkhead for Flag Day.
One area in immediate need of reinforcements is the wing. But it feels like we have been saying that for weeks now without any movement taking place in the transfer market.
One player who has also been linked with Celtic for not just weeks, but for months, is Michel-Ange Balikwisha. Now, there appears to be some hope that a move for the Belgian winger could be completed soon, if reports are accurate.
Celtic now pushing to complete signing of £5m player
As reported by Glasgow World, Celtic remain hopeful that a suitable fee can be agreed to sign Balikwisha. The Scottish champions are pushing for a positive outcome and are seeking the best deal possible. The offers tabled by the Hoops so far have been below Royal Antwerp's asking price, which is believed to be in the region of £5 million.
Celtic were linked with a move for Balikwisha going back to the previous summer window as well. Back then, it was reported that Royal Antwerp wanted a fee around £10 million. A move did not materialise then and after an injury-riddled campaign, it looks like the winger's transfer valuation has halved.
Even then, Celtic have allowed things to drag on for months. Of course, this is nothing new. One has to wonder how Ange Postecoglou managed to convince the board to get their business done early during his two years as manager of the Hoops. Perhaps Rodgers should send the Aussie boss a message.