Balikwisha blames Celtic for World Cup axe - gossip

What the report says

BBC Sport Football reports that Celtic winger Michel-Ange Balikwisha has blamed the Scottish club’s handling of his career for his failure to make DR Congo’s World Cup squad. According to the report, the 25-year-old believes Celtic’s decision not to let him leave on loan to a Major League Soccer side last season harmed his chances of being selected.

Balikwisha is now on loan at Gent, and the article says he hopes that move can become permanent. The piece places his comments in a wider roundup of transfer and gossip items involving Scottish clubs and players.

Among the other reported developments, Norway midfielder Thelo Aasgaard said he was happy with his loan switch from Rangers to Anderlecht, describing it as the right decision after feeling he needed a change. The roundup also notes interest in former Scotland international Scott McTominay, with Aston Villa reportedly well placed to compete for him if he becomes available.

The article is part of BBC Sport’s regular gossip feature, so the claims are presented as reports from other outlets rather than BBC’s own reporting. It highlights how loan moves, contract decisions and club negotiations continue to shape the careers of players connected to Celtic and Rangers, with potential implications for both club squads and international selection.