Before they can even meet on the pitch for the first time this season, Rangers and Celtic are doing battle in the transfer market. The Old Firm rivals find themselves in a head-to-head battle to sign Fares Ghedjemis.
Martin O’Neill has provided a public update about his side’s pursuit of the winger as part of an attempt to be open about Celtic’s transfer dealings this summer. As optimistic as he was last week, though, it remains to be seen whether he has the financial backing to welcome the Frosinone winger.
“I don’t know whether Rangers are trying to sign him. But we have a very strong interest in him. I don’t know about the other thing. I don’t know how close we can get, but we are genuinely making good progress.”
If O’Neill was unsure about Rangers’ interest last week, then he should be well aware one week later and it’s easy to see why the two Scottish giants are doing battle.
Ghedjemis was the star of the show in Serie B last season, scoring 15 goals and providing three assists. He is a player primed to take the Scottish Premiership by storm if Rangers or Celtic secure his signature.
With less than a month to go before the transfer window slams shut, though, both sides will have to move quickly if they want to match Frosinone’s stunning €20m (£17m) asking price.
Rangers launch hijack attempt to sign Fares Ghedjemis
As reported by Sky Sports Scotland, Rangers have now outbid Celtic in the race to sign Ghedjemis. The Gers have submitted an £8m offer, which betters the Bhoys’ earlier £6m bid, but have still received the same response from Frosinone.
The Italian club are sticking to their asking price, rejecting those at Ibrox and pointing towards the winger’s £17m price-tag. Whether the two Scottish rivals match that price remains to be seen, especially when considering it would be a record deal for both clubs.
|
Player |
Fee (add ons included) |
Signed From |
Year |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Tore Andre Flo |
£12m |
Chelsea |
2000 |
|
Youssef Chermiti |
£8m |
Everton |
2025 |
|
Ryan Kent |
£7m |
Liverpool |
2019 |
|
Michael Ball |
£6.5m |
Everton |
2001 |
|
Mikel Arteta |
£6m |
Barcelona |
2002 |
Whilst the Scottish Premiership gets underway, one thing that has become clear is that both Celtic and Rangers are potentially in for a busy end to the transfer window.
Rangers agree deal to sign Daisuke Yokota
Of course, Ghedjemis isn’t the only winger that Rangers are looking to sign this month. Alongside the Frosinone star, the Gers have also set their sights on Daisuke Yokota.
According to Florian Plettenberg, Rangers have agreed a deal worth £3m to sign Yokota and the Hannover 96 winger is expected to complete his move this week.
It’s no surprise that attacking signings are taking priority for Derek McInnes after such a blunt 1-1 draw against Dundee United on the opening day.
