Celtic were keen on signing Torino’s Gvidas Gineitis in the summer transfer window. A deal didn’t go through but and the player has now opened up.
The midfielder was subject of several approaches from Celtic throughout the summer. Formal bids were made and Torino were open to a sale until late in the window.
Celtic were also handed an opportunity to sign him even after the Italian window slammed shut. But the Glasgow club didn’t seize the chance, which only led to Gineitis losing prominence in the Torino first-team.
He is yet to start once in the last four league games, which is different to how things were earlier in the campaign.
Gineitis looks back
The Lithuania international, who starred for his national team during the international break, spoke to the press after Torino’s 3-1 loss to Como. Gineitis had to come off the bench for that too, playing a little over 30 minutes.
While talking about the game, he also revealed that the last few months have been difficult for him.
Gineitis said – via Toro.it: “Personally, it wasn’t the best months of my life, but I’ve always trained with a lot of energy. I’m happy if I play, either straight away or as a substitute.”
“I did what I could.”
Gineitis also praised manager Ignazio Abate, noting that he is bringing about a change in how Torino play.
“The coach wants us to never be afraid and to play with the ball at our feet, whereas last year we played forward. This year we’ve changed a lot. We could have done more, but we’re happy with what we have achieved.”
Our take: Player might need a transfer soon
Late in the summer, Torino signed Daniel Braganca and Rolando Mandragora. They were expected to replace Gineitis but Celtic never succeeded in landing him. This has caused more harm than good to the 22-year-old, whose development could be stifled in Turin.
That is why he could need a transfer soon, as he is at an important point of his career. His prominence for Lithuania has increased and he needs to back that up by becoming a key player at club level too.
This can hand Celtic a transfer chance in January, especially if things don’t change.
