Celtic's top target confirms transfer wish after summer talks

28 Sept 2026 09:01 BST | 2 min read

Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

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Torino midfielder Gvidas Gineitis has admitted that it would be “an interesting and rewarding experience” if he joins Celtic during the January transfer window.

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The Lithuania international was heavily linked with a move to Martin O’Neill’s side throughout the summer, but they were ultimately unable to finalise a deal despite being locked in advanced talks for several weeks.

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€5.3M - €7.2M

After failing in their bid to land Gineitis, Celtic instead bolstered their midfield roster with the signings of Mika Baur, Joel van den Berg and Oliver Sorensen (loan), but they have been tipped to rekindle their interest in the 22-year-old in 2027.

Gineitis was regarded as Celtic’s preferred candidate to replace Arne Engels, who joined West Ham United for a Championship record transfer fee of €25.8 million, and it’s understood the Bhoys are continuing to monitor his progress ahead of the upcoming winter window.

The 22-year-old has made six appearances across all competitions for Torino so far this season, while he provided an assist during Lithuania’s 2-0 win over Liechtenstein in the Nations League last week. And, speaking to reporters after the game, Gineits confirmed his desire to explore a possible transfer next year.

Gvidas Gineitis transfer wish

“Of course, I want to play better, do everything better,” Gineitis admitted (via The Scotsman).

“That pressure for society will always be there. It will be there my whole life in football, and I’m used to it. We [Lithuania] have a lot of players who are really growing, who are playing in high-level leagues. There are players whose team are aiming high. There are playing who are playing in the Europa League, the Conference League. It’s really fun to come to the national team every time.

“Whether you want to or not, you still think about it a little bit [transfer interest]. You realise that maybe something could happen, that something is happening. But I’m glad that I always manage to focus on the club I’m with right now.”

When asked directly about Celtic’s interest in his services, the Lithuania midfielder added: “It would be an interesting and rewarding experience, it would be interesting to test myself at that level, at a club like that. But for now, I’m where I am.

“If the club [Torino] wanted to sell me and another club wanted to buy me, the question would be what terms they’d offer me to play for that club. Of course, I would consider that option if it would help me and if I wanted to leave myself. Ultimately, it would all depend on my own decision anyway.”