Michel-Ange Balikwisha, the DR Congo international left winger at Celtic Glasgow, is going through a difficult period. Sidelined since mid-January, he has played only 398 minutes this season and now finds himself stuck in the stands, raising serious doubts about his future in Scotland.
Arriving at Celtic with the ambition of shining in one of Scotland’s most iconic clubs, the 24-year-old, born in Ghent, Belgium, has struggled to make his mark. During the 2025/2026 Scottish Premiership season, his numbers are modest: just 2 starts, 123 minutes played, no goals and no assists, with an average rating of 6.84. Even more telling, last week he was removed from the official squad list for the Europa League, a clear signal from the coaching staff. On Sunday, against Dundee FC in the Cup (2-1 win), he once again watched from the stands, marking his third absence from the matchday squad in the last five games. This prolonged absence highlights both sporting and relational issues within the club.
A decisive summer to revive his career
Despite his struggles at club level, Balikwisha remains involved with the DR Congo national team. He earned his first caps in November 2025 during the World Cup African qualifiers and later took part in AFCON 2025, recording 3 appearances and 1 goal, bringing his total to 5 caps. These international performances sharply contrast with his situation at Celtic, where he wears the number 10 shirt but appears to have fallen down the pecking order. Standing at 1.78m, right-footed and valued at around €3.9 million, the former Standard Liège and Antwerp player had all the tools to succeed. However, recurring injuries have already slowed his progress, and his lack of playing time—without a goal in 718 minutes across club competitions outside the league and national team—has fueled speculation about a departure.
With the summer transfer window approaching, his entourage is actively working on a solution to revive his career. A loan move or a transfer to a more suitable league—possibly back to Belgium, where he previously excelled—could offer him a fresh start. Celtic, currently leading in Scotland, has not hesitated in the past to part ways with underperforming players to maintain its momentum. For Balikwisha, who is eager to secure his place in the national team, time is running out: staying put could jeopardize his international ambitions. The question now is whether this difficult spell is just a temporary setback or the beginning of the end of his journey in Glasgow.