Celtic face £8m dilemma after rejected bid: Is £2m really worth losing Farès Ghedjemis?

Hoops Encounter Early Setback in Pursuit of Algerian Winger

Celtic’s efforts to sign highly rated winger Farès Ghedjemis have encountered an early obstacle after Italian club Frosinone rejected their initial offer. The Scottish champions reportedly submitted a bid worth approximately £6 million for the Algeria international, but the proposal failed to convince the newly promoted Serie A side.

GENOA, ITALY – MARCH 27: Farès Ghedjemis of Algeria (center) celebrates with his teammates Adil Aouchiche and Adil Boulbina after scoring his team’s sixth goal during an international friendly match between Algeria and Guatemala at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on March 27, 2026 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)

The update was first reported by journalist Anthony Joseph, who cited information from transfer specialist Luca Bendoni. According to the reports, Frosinone have made it clear they are not prepared to part with one of their prized assets unless a club is willing to meet their valuation.

While the rejection represents an early setback for Celtic, it has not brought negotiations to an end. Discussions between the two clubs remain ongoing as the Scottish side continue exploring ways to reach an agreement for one of their leading transfer targets.

Negotiations Continue Despite Valuation Gap

Although Celtic’s first offer fell short, the club have not abandoned their pursuit of Ghedjemis.

Reports suggest that Frosinone value the 23-year-old much closer to £8 million and are reluctant to lower their demands despite growing interest from several clubs.

That leaves Celtic with an important decision to make. They can either continue negotiating in the hope of reducing the asking price or decide to meet Frosinone’s valuation in order to complete the deal quickly before competition intensifies.

The continued dialogue between both clubs indicates that Celtic remain serious about signing the winger and still believe an agreement can eventually be reached.

Outstanding Season Raised Ghedjemis’ Reputation

The interest surrounding Ghedjemis is hardly surprising considering the impressive campaign he enjoyed in Italy last season.

The Algerian winger played a major role in Frosinone’s successful promotion campaign during the 2025/26 Serie B season.

Across 37 league appearances, he scored 15 goals while also contributing three assists, establishing himself as one of the division’s most productive attacking players.

His consistency was reflected in his playing time as well, with the winger accumulating more than 3,000 league minutes throughout the season.

Those performances have significantly increased his market value and attracted attention from clubs looking to strengthen their attacking options.

More Than Just a Goalscorer

While his goalscoring record naturally attracts headlines, Ghedjemis offers far more than simply finishing opportunities.

His ability to progress the ball through dribbling became one of his greatest strengths throughout the campaign.

Statistical analysis showed that he averaged 3.75 progressive carries every 90 minutes, placing him among the very best performers in that category compared to similar players.

That figure highlights his willingness to drive forward with possession, beat defenders and carry attacks into dangerous areas.

Such qualities are particularly valuable for teams looking to stretch opposition defences and create chances through individual creativity as well as structured attacking play.

Why Celtic Should Consider Meeting the Asking Price

GENOA, ITALY – MARCH 27: Farès Ghedjemis of Algeria looks on during an international friendly match between Algeria and Guatemala at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on March 27, 2026 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)

From Celtic’s perspective, the difference between the current offer and Frosinone’s valuation appears relatively small considering the player’s potential impact.

The reported £2 million gap could ultimately determine whether the club secures one of its priority targets or misses out altogether.

When recruitment teams identify a player capable of significantly improving the squad, prolonged negotiations over a comparatively modest difference can sometimes become counterproductive.

If Celtic truly believe Ghedjemis is the right player for Martin O’Neill’s system, matching Frosinone’s valuation may prove the most sensible course of action rather than risking the transfer collapsing altogether.

Martin O’Neill’s Interest Appears Genuine

Celtic manager Martin O’Neill has already spoken positively about the club’s interest in the Algerian winger.

His comments suggest Ghedjemis is not simply one option among many but a player the coaching staff genuinely believe can strengthen the squad ahead of the new campaign.

That level of confidence should encourage Celtic to act decisively if they remain convinced the winger fits both the tactical system and long-term recruitment strategy.

The longer negotiations continue without progress, the greater the possibility that rival clubs could enter the race.

Exactly the Profile Celtic Need

Ghedjemis appears well suited to addressing one of Celtic’s biggest concerns heading into the new season.

The right side of the attack has lacked consistency after Joel Mvuka struggled to establish himself as the long-term solution in that position.

While Mvuka possesses considerable potential, he has yet to produce the level of performances required to make the position his own.

Ghedjemis, by comparison, arrives with a proven record of consistent production.

His combination of pace, direct running, intelligent movement and goalscoring ability would provide Celtic with a more reliable attacking option capable of making an immediate contribution.

Rather than representing another developmental project, he has already demonstrated his ability to influence matches consistently over the course of a full season.

Rangers Interest Adds Further Urgency

Celtic must also consider the growing competition for the player’s signature.

Reports indicate that Rangers continue monitoring Ghedjemis closely, creating the possibility of an Old Firm battle if negotiations with Frosinone remain unresolved.

Allowing their biggest domestic rivals additional time to enter discussions would introduce unnecessary risk into the transfer process.

Should Rangers decide to match the Italian club’s valuation before Celtic act, the balance of negotiations could change rapidly.

That possibility increases the importance of reaching a conclusion sooner rather than later.

Financial Position Gives Celtic Flexibility

Celtic are expected to have significant financial resources available should midfielder Arne Engels complete his proposed £25 million transfer.

The proceeds from such a deal would comfortably provide the funds required to meet Frosinone’s reported asking price for Ghedjemis.

With financial limitations appearing less restrictive, the remaining decision centres on whether the club believes the winger represents sufficient value at approximately £8 million.

Given his age, recent performances and continued development, many would argue that figure remains reasonable in today’s transfer market.

Waiting Could Increase the Cost

There is also the possibility that delaying the transfer could ultimately make the deal even more expensive.

If Ghedjemis begins the new Serie A season in strong form, Frosinone would likely feel justified in increasing their valuation beyond the current £8 million figure.

That scenario would make negotiations considerably more difficult while attracting even greater interest from clubs across Europe.

For Celtic, paying the reported asking price now may represent the price of certainty rather than an unnecessary financial risk.

Should the club truly regard Ghedjemis as a priority signing capable of strengthening their attack immediately, acting decisively could prevent a relatively modest £2 million difference from becoming the reason they miss out on one of their most exciting transfer targets.