Celtic told why deal for top target collapsed: 'He wanted to leave'

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Tom Weber | Writer

Celtic have been told why their signing of Frosinone star Fares Ghedjemis failed to materialise despite the player's desire to make the move to Parkhead.

The Algeria international first emerged on the Glasgow giants' radar in the January transfer window when Martin O'Neill desperately needed attacking reinforcements.

Ghedjemis was tearing up Serie B and emerged as Celtic's top target for the flanks. However, the Hoops failed to agree a deal with Frosinone, who dug their heels in over the 24-year-old as they were chasing promotion, which they eventually achieved as runners-up.

Current ETV

Farès Ghedjemis

F, M (R)

Frosinone

Farès Ghedjemis

F, M (R)

Frosinone

€1.7M

ETV Range

€1.3M - €2M

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In the summer, Celtic revisited the deal for Ghejdemis, who bagged 15 goals last season, and even made a formal offer, as did arch-rivals Rangers and other suitors. Yet again, Frosinone played hardball, forcing the Hoops to sign Haissem Hassan from Real Oviedo instead.

The Serie A side's sporting director, Regno Castagnini, has now revealed why the club fought tooth and nail to keep hold of Ghedjemis, despite the player's desire to leave.

Takeover changed everything

Speaking to Radio Sportivo, Castagnini explained that a change in ownership had huge ramifications for the club's transfer business in the summer. It alleviated Frosinone's pressure to sell their most prized assets.

"Ghedjemis wanted to leave, and I believe that when a player has the opportunity to improve, it’s right that he shows it," Castagnini conceded before adding: "When the Clara Vista fund came in, it was decided that Ghedjemis would stay with us since we no longer needed to sell players."

Now, the situation looks radically different. Rather than being on the way out, the Algerian could extend his contract with the Italian outfit. "We're working on his new contract, so we're satisfied. We're doing things properly and calmly," Castagnini said.

While the director's comments are interesting, it is doubtful that Celtic would have landed Ghedjemis even if Frosinone had agreed to sell him. The level of interest in him was such that the Hoops would probably have struggled to convince him to join.

AS Monaco and Marseille were reportedly among the clubs keen on the 24-year-old. At the time, it was reported that the attacker would have jumped at the opportunity to move back to the country of his birth to play in Ligue 1.

Ultimately, then, a move to Parkhead would have always been more of a last resort rather than something Ghedjemis actively wanted to pursue.