Celtic Agree Balikwisha Exit as Another Departure Leaves Martin O’Neill Desperate for Reinforcements

Celtic have reportedly agreed to allow Michel-Ange Balikwisha to return to Belgium, but his departure only makes the need for immediate reinforcements even more urgent.

Belgian newspaper Het Nieuwsblad reports that Gent have a verbal agreement with both Celtic and Balikwisha over a season-long loan containing an option to buy.

Getting Balikwisha off the wage bill makes sense if Martin O’Neill does not see him as part of his plans.

The 25-year-old has struggled badly to establish himself since Celtic spent around £5million bringing him from Royal Antwerp last summer.

However, moving another senior player out cannot be viewed in isolation.

Celtic Balikwisha exit makes squad even thinner

Celtic desperately need players coming through the door.

This squad simply does not look strong or deep enough for everything awaiting it this season.

There is the Premiership title race, Europa League football, the Scottish Cup and League Cup. Injuries, suspensions and loss of form will inevitably arrive during a demanding campaign.

O’Neill therefore needs genuine first-team options, not simply numbers to fill out a squad.

Balikwisha leaving might remove a sizeable salary and create another space, but Celtic cannot keep thinning the squad before strengthening it.

That strategy has already contributed to a transfer window which has left supporters wondering why so much crucial business remains unfinished.

Celtic must now turn exits into arrivals

There is nothing wrong with admitting a transfer has failed.

If Balikwisha is not going to play, allowing him to rebuild his career in Belgium while Gent retain an option to buy could suit everyone.

The problem comes if Celtic bank another departure and fail to replace him properly.

Time is running out and O’Neill needs quality across several positions.

Europa League football will expose a shallow squad very quickly. Domestic opponents will also sense weakness if Celtic enter the autumn relying on the same small group every three or four days.

Balikwisha heading for Gent should therefore be followed rapidly by arrivals.

Celtic have spent much of this window moving players out.

Now the focus must change completely.

The squad requires strengthening, and it requires it immediately.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Gent reportedly have a verbal agreement with Celtic and Michel-Ange Balikwisha.
• The proposed deal is a season-long loan with an option to buy.
• Moving Balikwisha off the wage bill is sensible if he is not in Martin O’Neill’s plans.
• Celtic’s squad is already too thin for four competitions.
• The priority before the deadline must now be significant first-team additions.