Celtic winger Michel-Ange Balikwisha has claimed that the Scottish champions are responsible for his failure to secure a place in DR Congo's World Cup squad. The 25-year-old, who is currently on loan at Gent and has also operated as a striker, believes Celtic's decision to block a temporary transfer to Major League Soccer last season directly damaged his international prospects. Balikwisha is now hoping that his current spell in Belgium can be converted into a permanent agreement away from Glasgow.
Elsewhere in Scotland, rival midfielder Thelo Aasgaard has stated that departing Rangers on loan for Anderlecht was the right choice, with the 24-year-old Norway international concluding that he needed a fresh start. Meanwhile, both Celtic and Rangers suffered a shared transfer setback over Algeria winger Fares Ghedjemis. The 24-year-old confirmed that despite summer interest from the two Scottish powerhouses, he elected to sign a contract extension with promoted Italian side Frosinone after they convinced him of their aspirations to grow into a major Italian club.
Former Aberdeen winger Shayden Morris has also spoken out about his departure from Scottish football, revealing that a perceived lack of respect during contract negotiations prompted his exit to Luton Town, despite becoming a firm fan favourite during his final season at Pittodrie. In other development news involving Pittodrie alumni, 20-year-old Scottish striker Finlay Neat is targeting progress with Swedish club Sirius—mirroring fellow Scottish attacker Robbie Ure—while currently gaining experience on loan at second-tier Norrby following an 18-month recovery from a fractured spine. Closer to home, Dundee United boss Jim Goodwin disclosed he pivoted to alternative signings rather than keeping 26-year-old forward Ruari Paton permanently after his stint from Port Vale, though Goodwin is pleased to see Paton featuring regularly in the Scottish Premiership for St Johnstone.
Looking toward potential future business, Aston Villa are considered well-placed to outmanoeuvre Manchester United in the pursuit of 29-year-old Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay should he become available to leave Napoli. Finally, notable off-field revelations have surfaced regarding Scottish football figures: former Celtic captain Scott Brown confirmed he rejected an offer to take over as Cheltenham Town manager just days after his departure from Fleetwood Town, while former Rangers chief executive Charles Green disclosed an audacious past concept to purchase Stafford Rangers, rename the Northern Premier League club Rangers, and stage English first-team football whilst leaving a reserve setup in Scotland.