Celtic transfers: £5m flop exits on loan amid move for potential Arne Engels replacement

Celtic forward Michel-Ange Balikwisha has departed the club on loan ahead of a possible permanent transfer.

The DR Congo international was a £5million purchase from Belgian side Royal Antwerp last summer but has failed to make an impact with just two assists and no goals to his name in 14 appearances.

The 25-year-old has returned to Belgium after signing for KAA Gent on loan in a deal which includes an option to buy for a reported £3.5m. He joins a side who will compete in the Conference League after defeating Hibs 3-2 at Easter Road on Thursday.

Celtic attacker Michel-Ange Balikwisha has joined Gent on loan. | Getty Images

Gent manager Rik De Mil said: "Balikwisha is an experienced player who knows the Belgian league well. He has proven on numerous occasions that he can make the difference with an individual action, an assist, or a goal. We are therefore very happy that he is joining our squad."

Director Kjeld Fort added: "It has always been our plan to further strengthen our attack during this transfer window. We have made clear agreements with the coach regarding this. Michel-Ange needs little introduction in the Belgian league.

"He is fast, goal-oriented, technically strong, and versatile. Moreover, he is particularly driven to reach his best level again."

Meanwhile, Celtic have set their sights on a potential Arne Engels replacement.

Amid reports that the Scottish champions have missed out on target Ermin Mahmic to Turkish side Corum FK, a move has now been made for PSV youngster Joel Van Den Berg.

Celtic have made a move for PSV Eindhoven midfielder Joel van den Berg (right). | ANP/AFP via Getty Images

The 19-year-old midfielder has made five first-team appearances for the Dutch side but plays mostly for their reserve side, Jong PSV, in the second tier. He is also the captain of Netherlands Under-19s.

Van Den Berg was left out of the Jong PSV team for their match against RKC Waalwijk in the Eerste Divise on Friday night due to transfer negotiations. Reports in the Dutch media claim the player is keen to make the switch to Glasgow.

A powerful 6ft 2in midfielder, Van Den Berg has a similar physical profile to Engels, who Celtic are looking to replace after selling him to West Ham in a £22m transfer earlier this month.

Engels was 20, a year older than Van Den Berg, when Celtic paid £11m to sign him from German club Augsburg in 2024.

Reports have also linked Celtic with an interest in Torino midfielder Gvidas Gineitis and Hajduk Split midfielder Niko Sigur, who can also play right-back.