Celtic remain interested in much talked about summer target

Celtic Football Club has maintained an interest in acquiring Torino midfielder Gvidas Gineitis for the January transfer window, according to various reports. The 22-year-old Lithuanian international was one of Martin O’Neill’s top targets during the previous summer transfer window, but despite ongoing negotiations with Torino, a deal never materialized.

Celtic's financial backers, including Brian Wilson, Dermot Desmond, and Michael Nicholson, were unwilling to match Torino's reported valuation of €13 million for the player. The club's inability to secure a Champions League spot following a disappointing end to the season, after blowing a four-goal aggregate lead over LASK, further hindered their pursuit of Gineitis.

In September 2026, Celtic insiders revealed that the club remains keen on signing the player and plans to reevaluate their stance when the January transfer window opens. Gineitis' agent, Dmitry Vinokuro, has stated that Celtic's coaching staff held positive discussions with the midfielder during negotiations, but a difference of opinion within the club's management ultimately led to Celtic's decision not to proceed with the transfer.