Rennes engaged in discussions with Antwerp regarding Michel-Ange Balikwisha during the summer transfer window. Nonetheless, the transfer was not completed, in part because of a significant injury Balikwisha sustained towards the end of July, which hindered progress on the deal. It is possible that both clubs will revisit their interest in the player in January, now that he has recovered from his injury and returned to playing. Antwerp CEO Sven Jaecques indicated that both Celtic and Rennes had been in talks to potentially acquire Balikwisha, and they might consider prioritizing the transfer in the forthcoming window.