Balikwisha claims Celtic cost him World Cup dream as he brands himself £20m player

On loan at Gent, Balikwisha claims Celtic blocked a loan move that cost him World Cup selection and now hopes the Belgian club will make his deal permanent.

Winger Michel-Ange Balikwisha, currently on loan at Belgian club Gent, has accused Celtic of derailing his World Cup hopes by refusing to grant him a loan move last season. The Congo international, signed by Brendan Rodgers for £5 million in summer 2023, struggled in Glasgow with no goals in 13 appearances and fell out of favour under Martin O'Neill. Balikwisha revealed Celtic rejected a three-month MLS loan offer, which he believes cost him his place in Congo's World Cup squad. He has now scored for Gent and is hoping the club will make his loan permanent, with reports suggesting a potential £20 million sale.