Celtic’s Raul Moro pursuit is far from over, Balikwisha interest remains the same | OneFootball

Well, someone’s keen on a move to Celtic, or at least his representatives may be, going by some social media output today – but are Celtic as keen as the player?

Michel-Ange Balikwisha of Royal Antwerp is tackled by Jules Kounde of Barcelona during the UEFA Champions League Group H match between FC Barcelona and Royal Antwerp at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on September 19, 2023 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

As we reported on The Celtic Star last week Celtic’s position on Michel-Ange Balikwisha hasn’t changed in the Hoops attempts to sign the Royal Antwerp winger, who seemingly hasn’t been shy in his ‘come and get me’ hints on social media in recent weeks.

Now transfer expert Sacha Tavolieri has claimed ‘internal factors’ may be slowing down the progression of the deal. And there may well be some truth in that.

Michel-Ange Balikwisha during the Belgian “Pro League” First Division football match between Royal Antwerp FC and Royal Union Saint-Gilloise at Bosuil-Stadium in Antwerp on March 17, 2024. (Photo by KRISTOF VAN ACCOM/BELGA/AFP via Getty Images)

‘Celtic FC has not forgotten Michel-Ange Balikwisha! Several internal factors on the part of the Scottish club’s management have slowed down the deal, but both the Green and Whites and the player are keen to see it go through. Royal Antwerp FC is asking for €6 million’

Balikwisha is certainly a player Celtic remain interested in, and it would be the easy conclusion to jump to that Celtic are dragging their heels on this one over the cost of the player, wage demands or something else, but in this instance I don’t believe it’s a case of penny pinching or getting cold feet on this one.

Michael Nicholson, Chief Executive of Celtic FC looks on from the stands prior to the Premiership match between Celtic FC and St Mirren FC at Celtic Park on May 17, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

I’m not one to avoid giving the Celtic board or recruitment team a bit of stick when I feel it is earned but, in this case, I think Celtic’s reticence to press the button on this deal are understandable.

Whilst the Hoops are very much happy with the player and believe he’s a good fit for the club, it is believed Balikwisha remains a back-up option to the club’s first choice for purchase during this transfer window.

Indeed, the player Celtic are apparently after was supposed to be playing in the Under 21 Euros this summer, which has now reached the semi-final stage. With that tournament due to reach its conclusion we may see some movement after it ends, be that on Celtic’s main target or in the conclusion of the deal for Balikwisha.

Sondre Orjasaeter of Norway during the UEFA European Under-21 Qualifier playoff football match between Norway and Finland on November 19, 2024 in Stavanger. Photo: Marius Simensen

Celtic have also been linked with Sondre Ørjasæter from Sarpsborg who plays in the same position as Balikwisha, however, his value has apparently risen from 7m euros in January, to 11m euros this summer. So, it remains to be seen, if much like Mattias Kvistgaarden, that particular deal for Ørjasæter has moved into an uncomfortable financial realm for Celtic. It seems PSV are in pole position to complete that deal.

Raul Moro Valladolid, NOVEMBER 22, 2024 – Football / Soccer : Spanish LaLiga EA Sports match between Getafe CF 2-0 Real Valladolid CF at the Estadio Coliseum Getafe in Getafe, Spain. Photo IMAGO

Celtic were also interested in signing Raul Moro, the Spanish winger playing for now relegated Real Valladolid in Spain’s La Liga. A January price for that player was apparently agreed and Celtic were ready to pounce when Moro broke his collarbone. The injury occurred during a match against Espanyol, where he was stretchered off after a fall. The injury sidelined him for three months, potentially impacting transfer plans at the time. He is back to full fitness and has played his part in Spain’s Under 21 euros squad.

Celtic had competition at the time in January from Ajax, but apparently had reached Real Valladolid’s valuation of the player. This summer Ajax are also back in the mix. Perhaps explaining Celtic’s current wait and see approach with Balikwisha.

Sacha Tavolieri’s post on social media today, may be some gentle encouragement from Balikwisha’s representatives to get a deal done, but it is unlikely to impact Celtic’s transfer strategy.

If, or when, Balikwisha does sign for Celtic it may be when Celtic are happy their top target is no longer an achievable one. Maybe that’s the explanation you may have been looking for?

Niall J

Celtic supporters in Lisbon

READ THIS ON THE IRISH VOICE…Hail Hail, the Celts are everywhere!

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