Journalist David Friel believes Celtic will look to move Michel-Ange Balikwisha out before the transfer window closes, with a loan move reportedly currently the most realistic route.
Speaking on The Scottish Sun Sport’s latest Celtic transfer special, Friel addressed the Congolese winger’s position while assessing the Hoops’ remaining transfer business and was fairly clear on where he believes things are heading.
Friel said: “I think Celtic will be trying to get Michel-Ange Balikwisha off the wage bill, even for the season.”
Friel believes there is still interest in the player because of his reputation that he has built before arriving in Glasgow and his previous appearances at international level.
“I think there’ll be some interest. He’s a £5 million player. He’s not shown it, obviously, at Celtic, but he’s an international player.”
Friel also suggested a temporary move could be the more realistic outcome rather than Celtic receiving £5 million at this time.
“He’ll have a decent enough reputation in Belgium and the rest of Europe. I think they’ll get a loan.”
That could potentially include an option to buy at the end of any loan spell away this season.
“I don’t think anybody’s going to come in and pay the money, but I think they may get a loan with a kind of option to buy or something like that.
“So I think he’ll go.”
The expectation from the experienced journalist, though, is that the Hoops will be open to a loan deal, potentially with an option to buy.
With Celtic still looking to improve areas of the squad, moving Balikwisha on, even temporarily, would also create further room on the wage bill during the final days of the transfer window.
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