Celtic Set To Revive Interest In This Serie A Midfield Sensation: Why They Must Bring Him In | OneFootball

If a recent transfer update by Nicolo Schira on X is true, Celtic have reignited interest in Gvidas Gineitis. The Hoops have scouted him for months, as cited by The Scottish Sun last month, and could now table an offer, with Torino likely to demand a fee in the region of €15m for their midfield ace.

The 22-year-old Lithuania international progressed through NFA Kaunas’s academy ranks back in his homeland before breaking into their first team in the second division. He then joined Atmosfera, who were also competing in I Lyga, but was snapped up by Serie B side SPAL a year later. There, he spent his time across various youth levels but failed to make it to their senior side. Torino secured his services in January 2022 and deployed him to their U19 squad.

However, his impressive stint in the centre of the pitch caught the eye of then-boss Ivan Jurić. Gineitis was eventually promoted to the first team and earned his Serie A debut in February 2023. So far, he has played 80 times for Il Toro, scoring and assisting thrice across competitions. With 25 starts last season, the Lithuanian has cemented a key midfield status alongside Nikola Vlasic and Cesare Casadei.

TURIN, ITALY – MAY 08: Gvidas Gineitis of Torino FC and Luca Lipani of US Sassuolo battle for possession during the Serie A match between Torino FC and US Sassuolo Calcio at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on May 08, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)

Despite having three more years on his contract, agent Dmitry Vinokurov has not ruled out a summer exit.

Why Celtic Must Bolster Their Midfield

Meanwhile, Celtic are sweating over Arne Engels’ future, even though they rejected West Ham United’s offer for the in-demand Belgian. Veteran Callum McGregor and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain remain the engine room for their ability to dictate the pace, win possession, and drive the team’s overall activity and work rate. But the gaffer Martin O’Neill does not fancy Reo Hatate and Paulo Bernardo in his plans, which could lead to the pair’s departure before the window shuts. Luke McCowan suits a more advanced role better, thus leaving the Bhoys with little depth in the middle of the park.

Celtic, focusing on quality over quantity, are ready to spend big for the right profile. Gineitis, with his strong physical and aerial abilities, has excelled at breaking up plays, blocking channels, and reclaiming possession. His passing, through balls and shooting traits as a ‘number 8’ should see him slot deep in the midfield as the ‘double pivot’ alongside McGregor. It remains to be seen whether the Glasgow giants negotiate further to bring the asking fee down.