Celtic‘s search for a new attacker has intensified after the Scottish champions launched a bid for Fares Ghedjemis, who is also a target for arch-rivals Rangers.
The Hoops have been active in the transfer market this summer, bringing in Camilo Duran and Mathias Hogh from Qarabag and Bodo Glimt respectively, as Martin O’Neill continues to reshape his squad ahead of another title defence.
|
Attribute |
Why Ghedjemis would be good for Celtic |
|---|---|
|
Goalscoring winger |
Scored 15 goals for Frosinone last season, showing he can replace some of the attacking output lost following Daizen Maeda’s departure. |
|
Versatility |
Comfortable playing on either wing and can also operate as a second striker, giving Celtic greater tactical flexibility. |
|
Explosive dribbler |
Likes to take on defenders one-v-one with his pace and direct running. |
|
Age profile |
At 23, he fits a recruitment model of signing young players with room to develop and strong resale potential. |
|
High work rate |
Presses aggressively and covers plenty of ground, traits that would suit Celtic’s high-intensity style both in Scotland and Europe. |
However, there have also been several notable departures.
Daizen Maeda has moved on after another outstanding campaign, joining Premier League side Ipswich Town, while Luis Palma has also permanently left Parkhead for Lech Poznan, leaving Celtic short of natural wide options heading into the Scottish Premiership season.
That has seemingly made signing a winger one of the club’s biggest priorities before the transfer deadline. Ghedjemis has emerged as one of the standout names on Celtic’s shortlist. The 23-year-old enjoyed a brilliant campaign with Frosinone, scoring 15 goals to help fire the Italian side to promotion into Serie A.
Rangers have also been credited with strong interest in the Algeria international, setting up a potential transfer battle between the Glasgow rivals.
However, Celtic have made their move.
Celtic’s £6m offer for Ghedjemis rejected
According to Sky Sports reporter Luca Bendoni, the Hoops submitted a proposal worth around £6m, but Frosinone have quickly rejected the offer.
The Serie A newcomers are dreaming of holding onto Ghedjemis ahead of their top-flight campaign, with Bendoni labelling the situation as “dynamic”.
It’s easy to understand why Celtic remain determined to strike a deal ahead of their rivals. Ghedjemis, who has described himself so far as having an “unconventional” career so far, is coming off the best season of his career in front of goal, establishing himself as one of Serie B’s most dangerous players in the final third.
Comfortable on either flank despite being naturally left-footed, Ghedjemis, on £480,000 a year, naturally plays off the right-hand side and excels at driving inside onto his stronger foot while also possessing the pace to stretch defences in behind.
Those qualities could make him an ideal fit in Scottish football. With Maeda’s pace and direct running no longer available, Ghedjemis would provide Celtic with another explosive outlet capable of beating defenders one-on-one while adding a consistent goal threat from wide areas.
At just 23 years of age too, he also fits the club’s recruitment model of signing players with significant resale potential. Whether Celtic return with an improved offer remains to be seen, but after seeing their first proposal knocked back, the Parkhead hierarchy may need to move quickly if they are to beat Rangers and convince Frosinone to part with one of their prized assets.
