Celtic star may have played final game for the club as exit confirmed

Celtic have now confirmed the departure of a transfer flop who has struggled to make an impact at the club. Belgian forward Michel-Ange Balikwisha has potentially ended his time at the club, although his departure is initially a loan.

Balikwisha signed for Celtic on a €5.2million deal from Royal Antwerp, where he had scored 23 goals in 118 league appearances. But the forward has struggled for opportunities at Parkhead, making only seven league appearances and failing to find the net.

The DR Congo international has now returned to his hometown in Belgium to join Gent, joining on a season-long loan, and Gent hold an option to buy.

Gent boss Rik De Mil told the club website: "Balikwisha is an experienced player who knows the Belgian league well. He has proven on numerous occasions that he can make the difference with an individual action, an assist, or a goal. We are therefore very happy that he is joining our squad.”

Club chief Kjeld Fort added: “It has always been our plan to further strengthen our attack during this transfer window. We have made clear agreements with the coach regarding this. Michel-Ange needs little introduction in the Belgian league. He is fast, goal-oriented, technically strong, and versatile. Moreover, he is particularly driven to reach his best level again.”

It's unclear how much the option to buy is worth, but Celtic are likely to take a hit on their big investment, given Balkwisha's lack of investment. It will surely be a dream move for the forward, who will get to play his football back at home after a tough spell with Scotland.

Celtic boss Martin O'Neill said just under two weeks ago that he couldn't guarantee the forward opportunities. He said: "Again, I am hoping that at some stage or another, if nothing materialises, he would get opportunities.

“But I cannot promise that. I said to him in my first spell that the next manager coming in might want him. And then he was disappointed when the next manager was me!”

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