Serie A side 'increasingly keen' on keeping Rangers and Celtic transfer target as contract extension eyed up
Winger was linked with both sides of Glasgow in the summer
Serie A side Frosinone are ‘increasingly keen’ on securing the future of Algerian winger Fares Ghedjemis, leaving it harder for Rangers or Celtic to acquire his services in the future.
The 24-year old has been a standout for the newly-promoted Italian side - who currently sit sixth in the domestic top flight. As reports emerged that the player wanted to leave in the summer, both Rangers and Celtic were exploring a deal for Ghedjemis during the transfer window, however neither met Frosinone’s financial demands.
After Celtic had a £6m bid rejected for the winger, Rangers fired in an improved offer of £8m which was also knocked back, as Frosinone refused to budge on their £13m valuation. Ghedjemis is currently under contract until the summer of 2028, but after a strong start to life back in the big time, the club are ‘keen’ on an extension.
.jpeg?trim=0,0,0,0&crop=&width=640&quality=65)
Frosinone ‘keen’ on Ghedjemis contract extension
According to Sport Witness: “Celtic and Rangers made offers to sign him but they were never accepted. Late in the window, Monaco appeared to be closing in on the winger, however, an agreement was never reached. Now, Frosinone are increasingly keen on keeping him.”
The winger made history for the club during the summer as he was the first player of theirs ever to feature in a World Cup finals. After scoring 15 league goals and registering three assists in the Serie B last season, Ghedjemis is now looking to pick up from where he left off in the top flight. Frosinone have only one loss to their name in their first five league outings - and that was against Italian giants Juventus.
.jpeg?trim=0,0,0,0&crop=&width=640&quality=65)
Why did Ghedjemis not move to Glasgow in the summer?
Speaking to Radio Sportiva, Frosinone Sporting Director Renzo 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.”
Both Old Firm sides eventually looked elsewhere for wide reinforcements. Rangers secured the signings of Daisuke Yokota and Kim Min-su, as well as Badredine Bouanani on loan. Meanwhile, Celtic enlisted Egyptian speedster Haissem Hassan after he also impressed during the World Cup.