Celtic appear to be closing in on their first permanent arrival of the January window, with the Daily Mail reporting that a £6.5 million move for French wide man Fares Ghedjemis is close to being wrapped up.
If the deal goes through, it represents a notable turnaround in a transfer saga that seemed to be stalling only hours earlier, when reports suggested discussions had hit a wall over Frosinone’s valuation.
The timing is significant. Celtic have navigated most of the window relying solely on loan additions, a situation that has frustrated sections of the support and limited flexibility on the pitch. With the deadline looming and European knockout fixtures now on the schedule, there has been a growing feeling that the club’s margin for delay was shrinking. This latest update hints that a breakthrough may finally have been reached.
As recently as Thursday night, the move looked complicated. Italian outlets indicated Frosinone were pushing for a fee nearer €7 million — a figure Celtic were reluctant to meet.
Talks cooled, attention began to shift toward Damir Redzic, and the mood pointed toward another cautious window rather than decisive action. The claim that a £6.5 million agreement is now within reach suggests both clubs have edged toward a middle ground. From Celtic’s perspective, the right flank has been a problem area since Nicolas Kühn’s departure. Yang Hyun-jun has shown effort and moments of promise, but he has yet to fully cement the role. Changes in that position have often felt reactive instead of strategic. As the fixture list has grown heavier, the lack of a natural option out wide has become more obvious, especially when games tighten.
Ghedjemis would bring a different profile. At 23, he sits at an age where potential and production can overlap. His Serie B performances point to a winger who looks to make things happen, not just retain possession.
He drives into space, takes on defenders directly, and is willing to shoulder responsibility in attacking areas. Those qualities are not always easy to secure, particularly within Celtic’s financial parameters.
The broader season context underlines the move’s logic. Celtic have just come through a demanding Europa League tie with Utrecht and now face a February schedule featuring knockout football and a trip to Ibrox. That run will quickly expose any lack of depth. Wide players, in particular, cover huge distances — pressing, recovering, and creating. Without proper rotation, their effectiveness dips. A permanent signing carries weight here. Loan deals can plug short-term gaps, but they rarely offer long-term stability. Committing £6.5 million would signal that Celtic view Ghedjemis as part of their core plans, not just temporary cover. It suggests belief in his ability to contribute immediately while developing further — a key distinction as planning already stretches beyond this season.
The shift in narrative — from “talks stalled” to “deal close” — is also a reminder of how windows evolve. Valuations adjust. Stances soften. Deadlines sharpen focus. Celtic have often been criticised for leaving business late, but in this instance, patience may have helped them edge closer to their preferred price rather than overpaying early.
There are still hurdles to clear. Medical checks, documentation, and registration remain between speculation and confirmation. Supporters have seen promising reports fade before. However, this update feels more concrete than earlier links. A fee has been outlined, and the tone suggests progress rather than tentative interest.
It also clarifies matters elsewhere. Should Ghedjemis sign, it likely ends Celtic’s pursuit of Redzic for this window. That would align with squad management logic.
The team needs strengthening across multiple areas, not a surplus in one position. One winger adds depth; two could complicate minutes and roles when other departments still require attention.
On the pitch, the requirements are clear. Celtic need genuine width to stretch opponents, especially in matches where central channels are crowded. They need a player comfortable receiving the ball high up the pitch and committing defenders. They need an outlet when pressure builds. Ghedjemis appears to match that description more closely than many of the alternatives linked this month.
The transfer fee will inevitably spark debate. £6.5 million is a substantial investment by Celtic standards. Yet context is crucial. Market values have risen, age profiles carry importance, and sustained output justifies cost.
If the club believe he can deliver over several seasons, the figure becomes more understandable. For Martin O’Neill, it would mean another viable option in a period where choices have been limited. For the squad, it allows rotation without a significant drop in quality. For fans, it signals intent when reinforcement is clearly needed.
Nothing has been finalised yet. But after weeks of uncertainty, this is the clearest indication so far that Celtic may be ready to convert January speculation into decisive action.
If completed, the move will ultimately be judged not by the headlines, but by how quickly Ghedjemis adapts and influences a pivotal stretch of the campaign.
Leave a Reply