Michel-Ange Balikwisha joins Gent on loan from Celtic

Michel-Ange Balikwisha has joined Gent on a season-long loan from Celtic, with the Belgian club holding an option to sign the Congolese winger permanently for €3.5 million.

The 25-year-old has completed his return to the Jupiler Pro League after a mixed spell in Scotland, giving Gent another attacking option for the new season.

Gent officially confirmed Balikwisha’s arrival as the club looks to strengthen its attacking department. The winger is already familiar with Belgian football and its demands, having previously established himself in the league.

His move provides Gent’s coaching staff with another player capable of offering different tactical options in attack.

For Balikwisha, the transfer represents an opportunity to restart his career after an inconsistent period with Celtic.

The Congolese international will be hoping the return to Belgium can provide the regular playing time needed to regain his rhythm and produce consistent performances.

At Gent, he will join a squad preparing for the upcoming matches of the season, with the player now set to work towards making an immediate contribution.

The agreement includes an option to buy worth €3.5 million, meaning Gent have the opportunity to make the move permanent at the end of the loan period.

For now, however, Balikwisha’s focus will be on settling into his new surroundings and competing for a regular place in the team.

The winger’s familiarity with the Belgian top flight could help him adapt quickly.

After previously gaining experience in the Jupiler Pro League, Balikwisha returns to a competition where he already understands the level of physical and tactical demands involved.

Gent will hope that experience can translate into performances on the pitch as they seek to benefit from his attacking qualities.

The move also offers Balikwisha the chance to rebuild his standing with the Congolese national team.

Regular football and a consistent run of high-level performances would give the 25-year-old an opportunity to put himself back into contention as a dependable option for his country.

His spell at Celtic has now come to an end, at least temporarily, with the loan providing a fresh start in familiar surroundings.

Gent’s decision to include a €3.5 million purchase option gives both player and club time to assess the move before deciding on a permanent transfer.

Balikwisha will therefore begin the new chapter of his career with a clear objective: regain regular playing time, produce consistent performances and establish himself as an important member of the Gent squad.

The Belgian club, meanwhile, will look to make the most of a player who already knows the league and can provide additional depth and flexibility in attack.

With the transfer now finalized, Balikwisha is set to link up with his new team-mates and prepare for the challenges ahead.