15-goal attacker rejects 'two very rich bids' from Saudi and MLS clubs amid long-standing Celtic transfer links
Prolific in-demand winger issues coy response as he drops update on future after firing club back to Serie A
Long-standing Celtic transfer target Farès Ghedjemis has reportedly turned down two significant offers from clubs in Saudi Arabia and the MLS as speculation over his future continues to grow.
The 23-year-old Algeria international has been in deadly form in front of goal this season, netting 15 times and provided three assists in 38 appearances across all competition on route to helping Italian second-tier outfit Frosinone clinch promotion back to Serie A as runners-up behind Venezia.
The Scottish champions were understood to be working on a deal to bring Ghedjemis to Parkhead during the final week of the January transfer window, but no move materialised with the player instead deciding to see out the remainder of the campaign in Italy.
Frosinone had initially slapped an £8.6m price tag on the French-born attacker, who won his first cap for Algeria back in March after switching international allegiance. It’s believed that Celtic were unwilling to meet their figure.
Celtic have maintained their interest in the goal scoring wide man since then, although clubs in Germany have also now made enquiries into his potential availability, according to respected transfer expert Nicolo Schira.
He wrote on X: “Excl - #Frosinone’s winger Farès #Ghedjemis has turned down two very rich bids from a Saudi and a MLS clubs. #Celtic are still interested in him, but some Germany clubs have also asked info for him. #transfers”
Ghedjemis’ agent stated in January that no formal offers received could “satisfy both the player from a technical standpoint and Frosinone from a financial standpoint,” before adding that he remained “the best player in Serie B.”
Frosinone anticipate more summer interest from around Europe for Ghedjemis, and will now demand almost double their asking price from potential suitors as the forward enters the final two years of his contract.
That is according to the club’s general manager Pierto Doronzo, who explained why Ghedjemis chose to knock back a mid-season move to Glasgow’s east end. Speaking on Radio Sportiva earlier this month, he said: “In January, there was a real possibility that Ghedjemis would leave. Celtic had made a very significant offer.
“President [Maurizio] Stirpe, despite knowing how crucial he was to us, wanted to consult the boy, reiterating that Frosinone is not a prison. The player responded clearly: ‘I want to stay here to win the championship.’ It was a risk to turn down that offer, but the president’s courage and the boy’s determination were rewarded.
“Today, Ghedjemis’ value has doubled, and his performances have been crucial to our climb up the ladder.”
What has Fares Ghedjemis said about his future?
Celtic are facing a major turnover of players this summer, while awaiting the appointment of a new permanent manager which could work against them in their pursuit of recruiting new signings.
Addressing his future last week, Ghedjemis insisted the only thing at the forefront of his mind was whether he would be included in Algeria’s 26-man World Cup squad. He offered a coy response when quizzed on his next steps by Corriere dello Sport, stating: “Let’s see. First of all, it was important to bring Frosinone back to Serie A.
“Now there’s the possibility of going to the World Cup, and I have to think about being ready if Algeria’s coach calls me. I will remain a Ciociaro at heart and will carry this land and its people with me always. I am delighted with this promotion and happy to have been a part of this club’s history.”
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