Star that Celtic 'had a deal set up with' turns top Rangers target as Light Blues make attacking push
World Cup star has became subject of Ibrox interest after failed Hoops bid
Celtic had a ‘deal set up’ with Frosinone winger Fares Ghedjemis in January which went astray - and now Rangers have swooped in for the Algerian.
Hoops boss Martin O’Neill confirmed earlier this year that the 23-year old chose to stay in Italy to help is side in their Serie A promotion push, which they successfully accomplished in May. Seven months later, the other side of Glasgow have now expressed an interest, however Celtic have reportedly responded. The Hoops agreed a fee with the Italian side of £6m but this was subsequently rejected by the player.
Predominantly a right winger but left footed - Ghedjemis was an ever-present last season in Frosinone’s promotion bid. In turn he was selected for the Algerian 2026 World Cup squad, however only registered one minute in the tournament after they were knocked out in the round of 32. Rangers have identified the flanks as an area they need to strengthen.
Rangers swoop in on Hoops target
According to prominent Italian transfer journalist Luca Bendoni: “Fares Ghedjemis is considered as one of Rangers' top targets for the winger position. Frosinone star is is also being considered by multiple other foreign clubs. Ghedjemis was a target for rivals Celtic last January.”
The £4m sale of Oliver Antman to Belgian side Anderlecht has left Rangers even lighter on options out wide. Findlay Curtis, Djeidi Gassama and Ross McCausland are now their only recognised wingers - the latter has been linked with a move to EFL League One’s Ipswich Town. The Light Blues are also looking at former loanee and current Besiktas man Vaclav Cerny, Brighton’s Amario Cozier-Duberry and Coventry City’s Jahnoah Markelo as reinforcements.
French-born winger Ghedjemis spent his whole career in France before his Frosinone switch from third tier side Rouen in 2024. Before that, he enjoyed spells at Evreux and Vannes, after coming through the academy ranks at Le Havre.
Star that Celtic ‘had a deal set up with’ becomes Rangers target as Hoops respond
O’Neill confirmed in January that despite positive talks with Frosinone, the player decided to stay. He said via the Herald: “We had a deal set up with Frosinone for the lad coming in [Fares Ghedjemis], and he chose to stay. That's entirely his decision to make. He wanted to see if Frosinone can get into Serie A. So that's it. These things happen.”
Despite missing out on Ghedjemis then, new reports suggest Celtic have reignited their interest in Ghedjemis, as a good old-fashioned Old Firm transfer race could be on the cards. The Hoops have ‘renewed interest’ in the winger, who is under contract at the Serie A side until 2028.