Celtic handed Gvidas Gineitis transfer boost - verdict

Martin O'Neill and Celtic were left frustrated after missing out on Torino midfielder Gvidas Gineitis during the summer window.

The Hoops saw multiple offers rejected for the 22-year-old's signature, with the Serie A side holding out for over £6.5million, with a 10 per cent sell-on clause.

Celtic never met those demands for the Lithuanian international, and has now played all six of Torino's games at the start of the 2026-27 campaign.

That could all change very quickly over in Italy, though, especially after Torino's 2-0 defeat to AS Roma on Monday, 14 September.

The Hoops will keeping a close eye on proceedings after coming so close to signing the midfielder just a few weeks ago, with the January window in mind.

Gineitis, unsurprisingly, started the defeat to Roma earlier this week, but he was hooked for new signing Daniel Braganca at the half-time break.

Gvidas Gineitis 'left in the locker room' in Torino clash

And according to Toro News (16 September), Gineitis was simply left in the locker room while his teammates re-emerged for the second half.

It is understood that the midfielder's spot in the team is no longer safe, with is performances not being greeted by positive reactions in the dugout.

Celtic's strong interest in the player could have easily shaken him, leading to a collapse in form, and O'Neill's side will be hoping to benefit from that.

A slow start to the 2026-27 campaign could see Torino lower their asking price ahead of the January transfer window, and the Hoops will be ready to pounce.

It has become evident at Celtic Park that the squad is in desperate need of reinforcements, especially in the middle of the park, after defeat to Rangers.

Do Celtic already have a plan in place for Gineitis?

Just because Celtic missed out on the player during the summer doesn't mean that their interest has instantly disappeared.

In fact, Football Insider understands that the Hoops will return with another offer in January if the Italian side lower their price tag.

That seems like an extremely likely situation, given his performances at the beginning of the current season, which will be a huge boost for the Scottish giants.

Callum McGregor, 33, continues to play a huge role in the starting lineup, but Celtic need to work out a plan for after the long-standing captain.