One Celtic player increasingly appears to be edging towards the exit after being left out once again.
A major overhaul is looming at Parkhead this summer, with several members of the squad reaching the end of the road. Some long serving figures such as James Forrest are likely to see their involvement scaled back, while others may simply need a fresh start elsewhere.
Looking back, last summer’s recruitment did not deliver. Two of those arrivals are already out on loan, and Celtic now seem resigned to cutting their losses on one of the bigger investments when the season finishes.
Balikwisha’s Celtic future looks over
Michel Ange Balikwisha’s absence has become a familiar sight. Another matchday passed without the winger even making the bench.
He was again missing from the squad for Celtic’s Scottish Cup victory over Dundee, coming just days after he was removed from the Europa League list to make room for new arrivals.
Balikwisha has not featured since a disappointing outing against Auchinleck Talbot, a game in which he squandered a gilt edged chance and struggled to impose himself against non league opposition.
Signed for £5.5 million from Royal Antwerp after a lengthy pursuit, the DR Congo international was one of the club’s most costly additions last summer. That makes his current situation even more stark.
What next for Balikwisha
Writing off a player is one thing, but moving them on depends on another club stepping forward with an offer.
At 24, Balikwisha still has time on his side and could yet rediscover his form away from Glasgow. However, Celtic are likely to accept that recovering the full fee they paid in 2025 will be difficult.
A January exit might have been possible had he not already turned out for two clubs earlier in the season. Now, all signs point towards a summer departure as both player and club look for a reset.