End of an error for Celtic as Michel Ange Balikwisha returns to Belgium | OneFootball

Michel Ange Balikwisha – Yet another damning example of Celtic’s failings on the recruitment front…

Michel-Ange Balikwisha of Celtic FC (R) tries to pass trough Souleymane Faye of Sporting CP (L) during the Sporting CP v Celtic FC Pre-Season Friendly match at Estadio Algarve on July 14, 2026 in Faro, Portugal. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues Getty Images)

Celtic flop Michel Ange-Balikwisha has ended his Celtic nightmare by signing a season long loan deal with Belgian side KAA Gent, who also have an option to buy.

The Republic of Congo International, has already proven himself in the Belgian top flight, having starred for both Standard Liege, and Royal Antwerp, so it’s a move that will suit the player as well as Celtic. Gent also has the option of making the move permanent if he rediscovers his form in league where he made his name.

Balikwisha joined Celtic last summer from Royal Antwerp in a deal believed to be worth £5 million but despite being highly regarded, he flopped spectacularly in his short time in Glasgow, making just 14 appearances, most of which were via the bench.

Michel-Ange Balikwisha of Celtic is seen during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between Celtic FC and SK Sturm Graz at Celtic Park on October 23, 2025 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Indeed, the 25 year old was omitted from many match day squads by all three managers who occupied the Celtic Park dugout in a season of turmoil.

Balikwisha is yet another damning example of Celtic failings on the recruitment front, as it’s been widely reported that the former Belgian under 21 international was a player we were monitoring for well over a year before signing.

Let’s sit back and think about that for a moment. It took over a year to recruit a top target, who we then sanctioned a £5 million spend on, as well as a decent salary, only for the player to become no more than a squad filler.

Michel-Ange Balikwisha of Celtic is seen during the Premier League match between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox Stadium on August 31, 2025 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Of course, not every player will produce the goods, and you could say all new signings are a gamble, but to spend an extended period of time scouting a player, only for him to be absolutely useless is not a good look for Celtic’s recruitment team.

Although the player was deemed unworthy of a place in Martin O’Neill’s side, allowing him to leave once again leaves our squad even more exposed on numbers, meaning that we must act fast to add to our already paper thin squad before the transfer window slams shut on Thursday evening.

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