Ownership shift ends exit speculation
Frosinone sporting director Renzo Castagnini has confirmed that a change in ownership at the Serie A club effectively ended Celtic’s pursuit of Fares Ghedjemis during the summer transfer window. The 24-year-old Algerian forward had been identified as a primary target for the Glasgow club, which had maintained interest in the player since the start of the year. However, the acquisition of an 80 per cent stake in Frosinone by the Clara Vista fund, in a deal valued at approximately €41.5 million, significantly altered the club's financial requirements.
"Ghedjemis wanted to leave, and I believe that when a player has the opportunity to improve, it’s right that he shows it," Castagnini told Radio Sportivo. "When the Clara Vista fund came in, it was decided that Ghedjemis would stay with us since we no longer needed to sell players." Frosinone president Maurizio Stirpe echoed this sentiment in a separate press conference, noting that while a departure might have been considered previously, the new financial structure meant the club had no urgency to cash in on their prized asset.
Contract negotiations follow failed move
Following the closure of the window, Frosinone have shifted their focus to securing the player's long-term future. Despite Ghedjemis' previous desire to seek a new challenge, the club has initiated discussions regarding a contract extension. Ghedjemis, who is currently tied to the club until June 30, 2028, remains a key figure in Massimiliano Alvini's squad. Castagnini confirmed the club's satisfaction with the current direction, stating: "We're working on his new contract, so we're satisfied. We're doing things properly and calmly."
Market consequences for suitors
Celtic’s formal offers during the summer were ultimately rejected as Frosinone maintained a high valuation, with the Italian side expecting potential suitors to provide a significant financial commitment to replace the winger. Reports have linked Ghedjemis to interest from AS Monaco and Beşiktaş, though Frosinone officials suggested that previous bids from these parties failed to meet their valuation. The player's agent, Sofiane Mahieddine, is now expected to meet with club leadership to discuss the terms of a new deal, a move aimed at rewarding the player’s contributions while simultaneously strengthening Frosinone's negotiating position for future transfer windows. With the player now integrated into the starting line-up for the current Serie A campaign, any future departure is likely to require a substantially higher fee than the figures discussed during the most recent window.
