Celtic are reported to be interested in signing Gvidas Gineitis from Torino.
The phrase used by David Friel in The Sin is ‘could move’ which isn’t the most affirmative.
Against that Friel has a decent track record on Celtic stories. Earlier this month be broke the news of agreement on a deal for Martin O’Neill at the same time as the Daily Record and Herald.
More importantly in February 2021 it was Friel that revealed that Neil Lennon was stepping down as Celtic manager. That story appeared 10 hours before the Stock Market announcement.
So far in 2026 Celtic haven’t made a permanent signing.
That situation should change in July, tonight The Sun reports:
CELTIC could move for Torino star Gvidas Gineitis to replace Arne Engels.
Nottingham Forest, Crystal Palace and Roma are leading the £20million chase for the Belgian.
Celtic are already looking at replacements and 22-year-old Lithuanian midfielder Gineitis is on the radar.
The powerful 6ft3in Torino ace already has 32 senior caps and is attracting strong interest from the Bundesliga.
But SunSport understands Celtic have watched him in recent months after he caught the eye in Serie A.
Gineitis still has three years left on his contract after signing an extension last summer.
CELTIC MOVE WOULD BE AN UNLIKELY STEP FOR GINEITISÂ
It is a bit of a stretch to image a 23-year-old quitting Serie A, resisting offers from Germany and signing up at Celtic.
With so much uncertainty around the club in terms of players and management it is difficult to see central midfielder Gineitis opting to move to the SPFL.
Engels was about to turn 21 when he joined Celtic from Augsburg in 2024.
Celtic had the guarantee of Champions League football on offer with Brendan Rodgers one year into a three year contract.
In contrast Celtic 2026 face Champions League Play Off with 74-year-old Martin O’Neill on a 12 month contract with the option of a further year.
Celtic’s midfield will almost certainly need a major overhaul.
Engels seems certain to leave. He could be followed by Paulo Bernardo and Reo Hatate who both drifted out of contention to the end of last season.
Last season Gineitis started 29 matches in Serie A, the previous season he started 30 Serie A matches for Torino. With three years remaining on his contract Torino hold all of the aces.
Time is starting to race for Celtic, next Tuesday they play their first friendly when they travel to Dublin to face Shelbourne.
World Cup players won’t return till later in the month, the first SPFL match of the season is on August 3 at home to Dundee.
CLICK HERE for Gineitis Transfermarkt profile.
