Gent are on the verge of signing Congolese attacker Michel-Ange Balikwisha. The club has reached a verbal agreement with Celtic and the player himself, according to a report by HLN Voetbal on August 28, 2026. The 25-year-old will join on loan until the end of the season, with an option for the Buffaloes to make the move permanent. Medical tests are the final step required.
The arrival of Balikwisha comes at a key moment. Gent currently sit fifth in the Jupiler Pro League with six points from two games. They have scored four goals and conceded one. Their next challenge is a home match against leaders Club Brugge KV on August 30, where they can close the three-point gap at the top.
Why does Gent want Michel-Ange Balikwisha?
Coach Rik De Mil had previously stated he was looking for a 'game changer' in attack. Balikwisha is intended to fill that role. The player moved from Antwerp to Celtic last summer for five million euros but failed to establish himself in Scotland. For Gent, it's an opportunity to bring in a talented player with Belgian league experience without paying a large transfer fee upfront. The club had been actively seeking attacking reinforcements.
The deal is being finalised as Gent say goodbye to Japanese midfielder Atsuki Ito. He is moving to English second-tier side Bolton Wanderers. Ito played 79 matches for the club but did not fit into De Mil's plans this season. His departure frees up space and budget for a new arrival.
What does this mean for Hyllarion Goore?
The arrival of a new attacker also impacts the future of Hyllarion Goore. The 21-year-old Gent striker is almost recovered from a muscle tear sustained two weeks ago against Göteborg. He will resume training in the coming days. However, there is significant foreign interest in Goore. Gent are willing to facilitate a transfer under the right conditions. The club aims to receive at least ten million euros for him. Goore joined in January 2025 from Ararat Yerevan for several hundred thousand euros and is under contract until 2029.
The transfer market continues to turn for the club. Fans can always check the current squad on our squad page.
What is the broader transfer context?
The movement at Gent coincides with other developments in the Belgian league. At Union SG, captain Kevin Mac Allister has extended his contract until 2031. The 28-year-old Argentine stayed this summer despite rumours of a departure. His teammate Kevin Rodriguez (26) also signed a new deal.
Furthermore, Belgian international defender Arthur Theate appears to be returning to Bologna. The Eintracht Frankfurt player would join on loan with an option to buy for fifteen million euros. Frankfurt would then retain a fifteen percent sell-on clause. Theate previously played on loan at Bologna during the 2021/2022 season.
Meanwhile, Anderlecht are pushing to sign 24-year-old Spanish midfielder Santi Garcia. These developments show the dynamism in the league Gent competes in. The current table can be followed on our standings overview.
What are the next steps for Gent?
First, the signing of Michel-Ange Balikwisha must be made official following his medical. Coach Rik De Mil can then integrate him into the squad. The immediate focus is on the important home match against Club Brugge. A victory would bring Gent to six points and close the gap to the top.
The coming days will also be decisive for Hyllarion Goore. If an acceptable offer arrives, his departure could increase the financial flexibility for any other reinforcements. The club is balancing strengthening the team immediately with maintaining long-term financial health. The loan signing of Balikwisha is a typical step in that strategy. It gives the player a chance to prove himself and the club time to make a definitive decision.
