Over the past few weeks, we have seen several new names crop up in the Celtic rumour mill. The likes of Kalidou Sidibe and Elvis Rexhbecaj appear to be players who have caught the eye of the Hoops recently. But at the same time, it appears that there are a number of long-term transfer targets that the Bhoys are continuing to monitor.
Recently, suggestions have emerged that Celtic could decide to sign a top-quality winger this summer instead of a striker. The belief had been that the Hoops would look to find a replacement for Kyogo, who left in January. But Daizen Maeda has done a fantastic job since stepping into the centre forward's shoes and could be the long-term solution there.
As a result, it might be easier to try and sign a winger instead. Michel-Ange Balikwisha is a name that has emerged in the Celtic rumour mill once again.
Celtic had been linked with him last summer as well, and rumours back then suggested that it could take as much as £10 million to sign the Belgian winger. But this time around, it looks like he might make a move for a fraction of that figure. As reported by TEAMtalk, Balikwisha could be available for £4 million this summer.
Celtic can sign £10m target for bargain £4m fee this summer
It is very clear that the Belgian winger's transfer valuation has decreased by quite a bit since last summer. It is not hard to understand why that is the case.
Balikwisha has struggled with fitness issues throughout the course of this season. So much so that he has been able to make just eight appearances for Royal Antwerp so far in the 24/25 campaign. So, it is very natural that his transfer valuation has gone down since that time.
There is no question about Balikwisha's ability when fit and available though. According to stats from Transfermarkt, he scored 10 goals and provided 8 assists in 44 appearances for Royal Antwerp last season.
Of course, signing Balikwisha would come with its fair share of risk as well. The Belgian winger has missed almost the entirety of the campaign through injury. Is this a one-off issue for him or something that will cause fitness issues in the future as well?
Balikwisha is not the only winger who has been on Celtic's radar lately. They were heavily linked with Sondre Ørjasæter of Sarpsborg in the winter and could revisit that interest in the summer.