Frosinone chief reveals why Celtic’s Fares Ghedjemis transfer pursuit collapsed

Frosinone sporting director Renzo Castagnini has revealed why Celtic's summer pursuit of Fares Ghedjemis ultimately failed despite the winger wanting to leave the Italian club.

Fares Ghedjemis of Algeria is seen in action 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)

Celtic spent much of the transfer window attempting to bring the Algerian to Glasgow after initially missing out on his signature in January.

Martin O'Neill publicly admitted the Hoops had a "very strong" interest in Ghedjemis, but Frosinone stood firm despite approaches for one of their prized assets.

Ghedjemis had rejected the opportunity to join Celtic in January before helping Frosinone secure promotion to Serie A, but his position had changed by the summer and he was open to moving on.

However, a significant development behind the scenes at Frosinone altered the club's financial position and removed their need to cash in on the winger.

Speaking to Radio Sportiva, Castagnini said: "Ghedjemis wanted to leave, and I believe that when a player has the opportunity to improve, it's right that he shows it.

"When the Clara Vista fund came in, since we no longer needed to sell players, it was decided that Ghedjemis would stay with us.

"We're working on his new contract, so we're satisfied. We're doing things properly and calmly."

Frosinone president Maurizio Stirpe had previously insisted the offers received for Ghedjemis did not meet the club's valuation, with Celtic and Rangers eventually dropping out of the race as the Serie A side refused to budge.

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