Celtic flop Michel-Ange Balikwisha scored for loan club KAA Gent to end a 14-month goalscoring drought…
SV Zulte Waregem v KAA Gent – Jupiler Pro League WAREGEM, BELGIUM – OCTOBER 10 : Balikwisha Michel-Ange forward of KAA Gent celebrates scoring a goal during the Jupiler Pro League match between SV Zulte Waregem and KAA Gent on October 10, 2026 in Waregem, Belgium, 10/10/2026 Waregem Belgium Photo Peter De Voecht
The former Belgian under 21 international moved to Celtic from Royal Antwerp in a £5 million deal last summer, but failed to make any sort of positive impression under a succession of managers in what was a trying campaign for the club. Balikwisha was limited to just 14 appearances with most of them registered from the bench and resulted in very little impact.
Michel-Ange Balikwisha of Celtic is seen during the Scottish Premiership match between the Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox on August 31, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
The 25 year old Congolese international was pushed even further down the Celtic Park pecking order after the signings of Camilo Duran, and Haissem Hassan, and was allowed to leave on loan to kickstart his career, which culminated in him departing for Belgian side Gent on a year loan deal in the summer transfer window.
Balikwisha scores his first goal for Gent
Balikwisha struck at the back post in stoppage time to notch his first goal for the Belgian’s in his sixth appearance for the club. Gent’s 2-0 win was against SV Zulte Waregem who are managed by former The Rangers boss Micheal Beale.
Michel-Ange Balikwisha of Celtic is seen during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between Celtic FC and SK Sturm Graz at Celtic Park on October 23, 2025 (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
The result kept Gent first in the table, with 22 points from eight matches.
Ibrahima Cisse opened the scoring after 12 minutes. Zulte Waregem were reduced to 10 men when Malick Mbaye was shown a red card in the 74th minute.
Balikwisha unlikely to have a future back at Celtic
It’s unlikely that Balikwisha has a future at Celtic, but if he continues to find the net and impress at Gent, then it could lead to a permanent move on the expiration of his loan deal next summer. Something that will benefit both the club and player.
Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Haissem Hassan of Celtic inspects the pitch before the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 play-offs first leg match between Celtic and LASK at Celtic Park on August 19, 2026. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Former Celt Reo Hatate off the mark for Burnley
Meanwhile, another former Celt opened his account for his new club at the weekend, with that being Reo Hatate who scored in Burnley’s 4-0 away win over Watford in the English championship.
The Japanese playmaker scored the clarets third goal in a thumping win over the Hornets.
Reo Hatate of Burnley scores his team’s third goal during the Championship 2026/27 match between Watford and Burnley at Vicarage Road on October 10, 2026. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)
Reo Hatate of Burnley celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the Sky Bet Championship 2026/27 match between Watford and Burnley at Vicarage Road on October 10, 2026. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)
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