Celtic’s opening bid for Fares Ghedjemis has been rejected by Italian side Frosinone while Alistair Johnston’s move to Everton appears to be imminent…
Celtic have reportedly opened the bidding for Frosinone winger Fares Ghedjemis, only to see it booted in to touch according to reports, as Martin O’Neill looks to bolster his squad with the season opener against Dundee just hours away.
Celtic have been locked in talks with the Serie A new boys over a deal for the Algerian International, who was left out of the squad for the Italian side’s friendly with Benevento at the weekend.
The Hoops are understood to have made the 23 year old a priority after missing out on the player in the January transfer window, and with several other sides said to be interested in the winger, including apparently the Rangers, club bosses have made moves to bring him to Celtic.
But according to Sky Sports Italy, Frosinone have rejected an initial offer, believed to be £6 million, and are determined to hold on to the 23-year-old.
Celtic have made a proposal for Fares Ghedjemis. Frosinone rejected it as they dream of keeping Ghedjemis as their team star for their Serie A campaign. Dynamic situation. #CelticFC @SkySport https://t.co/AJCl7xB6Eg pic.twitter.com/1YuXiceQt7
— Luca Bendoni (@LucaBendoni) August 2, 2026
The Italian side want to make an impact in their first ever appearance in the Italian top flight, and see Ghedjemis as a key man in helping them make an impression.
The Algerian was pivotal in Frosinone gaining promotion to Serie A, scoring 15 goals and two assists as they finished as runners up in Serie B to book their place in the Italian top flight for the first time in their history.
Despite Celtic’s first lowball offer being rejected, it’s been reported that there is still room for negotiation, and the situation could change in the coming days. Indeed there may even have been a slightly higher second bid made that has also been knocked back by the Italian outfit who are determined to have their valuation met.
Maybe it will be a case of third time lucky for Michael Nicholson this week?
It comes just days after Martin O’Neill confirmed the clubs interest in a player he wants to bolster his squad.
The Celtic manager said on Friday afternoon: “We have a very, very strong interest in him. I don’t know how close we can get, but we are genuinely making really good progress.”
It remains to be seen if the club will up their offer in the coming days.
Meanwhile Celtic go into the season opener against Dundee this evening with just two new signings made, Camilo Duran and Kasper Hogh, with both expected to make their competitive debuts for the club on Flag Day as Celtic look for a few goals that will take us to the top of the league on day one.
It will be interesting to see if Alistair Johnston and Arne Engels are in the Celtic team this evening with both players moving towards the exit door. Johnston could be off to Everton soon in a deal worth up to £15m while Arne Engels awaits West Ham meeting Celtic’s valuation if that transfer is going to proceed.
UPDATE: Frosinone have knocked back Celtic’s opening offer of around £6m for winger Fares Ghedjemis.
It’s understood the Serie A club would like to keep the Algeria international, but the Scottish champions are pushing hard for a deal.
Talks are ongoing between the clubs.… https://t.co/Q5JW8CWEUZ
— Anthony Joseph (@AnthonyRJoseph) August 2, 2026
🚨 As per @Record_Sport, Alistair Johnston is close to sealing a £15m move to #Everton. The 27-year-old has told #Celtic he is keen on the move. The Toffees are offering around £12m + add-ons – but the Hoops are holding out for more. pic.twitter.com/98q9U9RlXY
— Conor ✍️📺⚽️ (@conorbyline) August 2, 2026
Just an Ordinary Bhoy
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2 Comments
The only real good news, when we actually make opening bids, is that the player themselves must be interested in joining ourselves?
As don’t believe that we would have made an offer in the first instance imo?
Problem remains, that other potential suitors become aware, and could jump in and make a far better offer for the player?
It’s this area, which really annoys our support, especially with Nicholson involved in the negotiation?
Either get serious, or target other options, is what we want to see happening imo?
8M sounds like a decent enough price, even if it is more than what we offered in January imo?
Especially when the extra money is readily available?
So the question remains as to whether we actually do want the player or not, or is this just another smokescreen getting presented to our supporters?
we never made an offer ,don’t believe what the stooges are reporting …we enquired ,knowing full well we have no intention of following through
rinse and repeat we do it every year