Celtic’s opening Ghedjemis bid rejected as Johnston’s Everton move nears

Celtic’s opening Ghedjemis bid rejected as Johnston’s Everton move nearsCeltic’s opening bid for Fares Ghedjemis has been rejected by Italian side Frosinone while Alistair Johnston’s move to Everton appears to be imminent…Fares 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)

>Celtic have reportedly opened the bidding for Frosinone winger Fares Ghedjemis, only to see it booted in to touch according to reports, as Martin O’Neill looks to bolster his squad with the season opener against Dundee just hours away.

>Celtic have been locked in talks with the Serie A new boys over a deal for the Algerian International, who was left out of the squad for the Italian side’s friendly with Benevento at the weekend.

Fares Ghedjemis of Frosinone Calcio and Gregoire Defrel of US Sassuolo during the Serie A TIM match between US Sassuolo and Frosinone Calcio – Serie A TIM at Mapei Stadium – Citta’ del Tricolore on March 09, 2024 in Reggio nell’Emilia, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)

>The Hoops are understood to have made the 23 year old a priority after missing out on the player in the January transfer window, and with several other sides said to be interested in the winger, including apparently the Rangers, club bosses have made moves to bring him to Celtic.

>But according to Sky Sports Italy, Frosinone have rejected an initial offer, believed to be £6 million, and are determined to hold on to the 23-year-old.

The Italian side want to make an impact in their first ever appearance in the Italian top flight, and see Ghedjemis as a key man in helping them make an impression.

>The Algerian was pivotal in Frosinone gaining promotion to Serie A, scoring 15 goals and two assists as they finished as runners up in Serie B to book their place in the Italian top flight for the first time in their history.

>Despite Celtic’s first lowball offer being rejected, it’s been reported that there is still room for negotiation, and the situation could change in the coming days.

>It comes just days after Martin O’Neill confirmed the clubs interest in a player he wants to bolster his squad.

>The Celtic manager said on Friday afternoon: “We have a very, very strong interest in him. I don’t know how close we can get, but we are genuinely making really good progress.”

>It remains to be seen if the club will up their offer in the coming days.

>Meanwhile Celtic go into the season opener against Dundee this evening with just two new signings made, Camilo Duran and Kasper Hogh, with both expected to make their competitive debuts for the club on Flag Day as Celtic look for a few goals that will take us to the top of the league on day one.

14th January 2026; Falkirk Stadium, Scottish Premiership Falkirk versus Celtic; Arne Engels of Celtic. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

>It will be interesting to see if Alistair Johnston and Arne Engels are in the Celtic team this evening with both players moving towards the exit door. Johnston could be off to Everton soon in a deal worth up to £15m while Arne Engels awaits West Ham meeting Celtic’s valuation if that transfer is going to proceed.

Just an Ordinary Bhoy

>HAVE YOUR SAY – Join the Celtic conversation in our comments section below…

>Celtic Shorts is the new home for the team from The Celtic Star

>Summer Sale now on! Both books for just £20 plus P&P. Order now at Celticstarbooks.com

>Quick Tip –Add Celticshorts.com as your ‘Preferred Source’ on Google News for quick access to the Celtic content you value the most. It takes just a few seconds and you’ll notice the difference straight away! – Click HERE….Hail Hail!

>Click to join Celtic Pools