Celtic Face £8m Call After Rejected Bid For Rising Star: Should They Stop Negotiating Over £2 Million? | OneFootball

Celtic have hit an early obstacle in their pursuit of Farès Ghedjemis after Frosinone rejected an opening offer worth around £6 million for the Algeria international. Anthony Joseph reported the development on X, citing information from transfer journalist Luca Bendoni, with the Serie A side making it clear they have little interest in selling unless their valuation is met.

Celtic receive early setback for Farès Ghedjemis as talks continue

That hasn’t stopped negotiations. Celtic continue talking with Frosinone as they search for a breakthrough, although the Italian club reportedly want closer to £8 million before giving serious thought to a sale. There is clear determination from Parkhead to sign the 23-year-old, whose reputation has climbed sharply after an outstanding campaign in Italy.

Ghedjemis earned widespread attention during the 2025/26 Serie B season. He scored 15 league goals, supplied three assists in 37 appearances and played 3,024 minutes as Frosinone secured promotion. His numbers stretched beyond goals, too. He averaged 3.75 progressive carries per 90 minutes, placing him in the 100th percentile among comparable players, a reflection of how regularly he drove his side forward with the ball at his feet.

T4O take: Why Celtic should stop negotiating over £2 million

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)

Sometimes the difference between a smart transfer and a missed opportunity is surprisingly small. This feels like one of those moments.

An extra £2 million shouldn’t prevent Celtic from completing a deal for a winger who already delivers goals, carries genuine pace and thrives in one-versus-one situations. Martin O’Neill has openly admitted his very strong interest in Ghedjemis, so there is little sense in allowing lengthy discussions to drag on if the club have already identified him as a priority signing.

His profile suits exactly what Celtic need. Joel Mvuka did not establish himself on the right flank, leaving the attack short of consistency in wide areas. Ghedjemis arrives with proven production instead of promise alone, which makes the reported £8 million valuation look far more reasonable than excessive.

Celtic cannot ignore the growing competition

There is another issue sitting in the background. Rangers continue monitoring the Algerian, and allowing a direct rival to step into negotiations would create an avoidable problem.

Celtic expect significant money if Arne Engels completes his proposed £25 million transfer, leaving enough financial room to meet Frosinone’s asking price. Waiting for another round of talks could prove expensive because a strong start to the Serie A campaign would almost certainly push Ghedjemis beyond the current valuation. Right now, £8 million feels like the price of certainty rather than the cost of taking a gamble.