Celtic were keen on signing Torino’s Gvidas Gineitis in the summer transfer window as Martin O’Neil looked to add to his squad. . The player’s prominence at the Italian club has now clearly reduced.
Sport Witness closely covered how the Hoops kept discussing a possible deal until late into the window. They had several bids rejected, even if Il Toro were open to the midfielder heading to Celtic Park.
Despite Gineitis staying, Torino signed Rolando Mandragora, who scored on his debut against Fiorentina. Daniel Braganca also joined, leaving the Lithuania international as a back-up.
More about his situation has now emerged, with the player’s future still uncertain.
Midfielder’s bags still packed
Today’s TuttoSport reports Torino did negotiate Gineitis’ sale to Celtic. However, they pulled the plug on the exit because they sold Alieu Njie and Marcus Pedersen.
While Gineitis has shown a good attitude things remain uncertain.
His bags are ‘not yet unpacked’, especially as the transfer window is still open in other leagues and that their manager Ignazio Abate no longer sees him in his plans. Things were different earlier in the campaign but new signings have changed the dynamic.
This suggests he will be actively looking for new club in January if him remains in Turin. His value stands at over €10m and Celtic will have another shot at signing him in the new year.
Our take: Player may not be needed
Celtic were desperate to sign the 22-year-old but they also signed Oliver Sorensen from Parma late into the window. This leaves them other midfield options and suggests Gineitis may not be seen as a key target.
As a result, the player may need to find other clubs to take him. . He came through the Torino youth academy and anything earned from his sale goes down as a capital gain.
This could be encouraging for Celtic, only if something dramatic happens in their midfield pecking order.
