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

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.

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.