Celtic FC Targets Torino’s Gvidas Gineitis with New Bid Amid Champions League Ambitions
Scottish journalist Giacomo Morandin, referenced by Europa Calcio, reported that Celtic FC is preparing a renewed offer for Lithuanian midfielder Gvidas Gineitis, contingent upon securing a spot in the UEFA Champions League group stage. The report indicates that Celtic’s initial bid of around €7.5 million was declined by Torino. Torino president Urbano Cairo has since increased his assessment of Gineitis’s value to €10 million, noting the player’s heightened profile following a strong performance in the 2025-26 Serie A season.
Celtic plans to utilize funds from Champions League qualification to bolster their offer, aiming to bridge the gap between their previous bid and Cairo’s updated asking price.
Advertisement
Torino is not aggressively pushing for a sale but acknowledges the need for player departures to finance three or four new signings. This financial pressure may work in Celtic’s favor.
However, the situation has become more complex. Italian journalist Nicolo Schira reported in early August 2026 that Torino’s internal valuation has risen to between €13 million and €15 million, significantly exceeding the previous figure detailed in the Europa Calcio report.
Celtic has already made an improved offer of approximately €10 million, which was also rejected by Torino. Crystal Palace has entered the fray, adding a competitive element. Gineitis’s recent start in Torino’s Coppa Italia match against Carrarese further complicates matters, as he completed the full 90 minutes, sending mixed signals to interested clubs.
Celtic’s interest in the 22-year-old stems from the £22 million transfer of Arne Engels to West Ham United. The departure of a midfielder of Engels’s caliber leaves a significant gap, and Celtic’s management has identified Gineitis as a suitable replacement.
Advertisement
T4O take: Is it the right decision now for Celtic?
CREMONA, ITALY – APRIL 19: Gvidas Gineitis of Torino FC in action during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and Torino FC at Stadio Giovanni Zini on April 19, 2026, in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)
A detailed evaluation of Gineitis reveals that he made 29 Serie A appearances in the 2025-26 season, totaling 1,767 minutes, during which he provided one assist and created 17 chances while achieving a 78% passing accuracy. At 1.91 meters tall, he possesses a physical presence that endures the rigorous midfield battles of Serie A.
Advertisement
His statistics from last season—45 tackles and 77 recoveries—demonstrate genuine defensive capabilities in a highly competitive league. In his recent Coppa Italia match against Carrarese, Gineitis successfully completed 40 of 46 passes with an impressive 87% accuracy, distributing seven passes into the final third, proving his contributions extend beyond mere statistics.
Celtic’s midfield certainly requires reinforcement. With Callum McGregor nearing the end of his playing days and concerns over Oxlade-Chamberlain’s fitness, Gineitis presents a specific skill set: progressive passing, physical resilience, and defensive tenacity that can compete at the European level. His experience with the Lithuanian national team, including three goals in eight World Cup qualifiers, further highlights his consistent performance under pressure.
The proposed fee of €10 million could represent prudent business for Celtic, especially with Champions League qualification on the horizon. Torino’s need to recuperate funds after a reported €20 million deficit this season indicates that their bargaining position may be more limited than it appears. Celtic now needs to finalize their approach quickly, especially with RB Salzburg possibly poised to intervene.
Scottish journalist Giacomo Morandin, referenced by Europa Calcio, broke the story that Celtic FC are coming back to Torino with a fresh bid for Lithuanian midfielder Gvidas Gineitis, contingent on the Hoops booking a spot in the UEFA Champions League group stage proper. The report confirmed Celtic had already seen an opening offer of approximately €7.5 million rejected by the Turin club. Since then, Torino president Urbano Cairo has revised his valuation upward to €10 million, citing the player’s rising profile through a strong 2025-26 Serie A campaign.
Celtic‘s plan to use Champions League qualification money is deliberate. Group-stage revenue gives the club a guaranteed financial buffer, and O’Neill’s board appears intent on using precisely that windfall to bridge the gap between their previous bid and Cairo’s new asking price.
Advertisement
Torino, for their part, aren’t actively forcing a sale, but they’ve openly acknowledged that player departures are necessary to fund three or four incoming transfers planned for the Italian side. That financial pressure from Via Filadelfia is quietly working in Celtic’s favour.
The situation, though, has grown complicated. Reports from Italian journalist Nicolo Schira in early August 2026 suggest Torino’s internal valuation has since climbed to somewhere between €13 million and €15 million, considerably above the figure cited in the Europa Calcio report.
Celtic reportedly submitted an improved bid of around €10 million, which Torino rejected. Crystal Palace have also entered the conversation, adding competitive urgency. Then Gineitis started Torino’s Coppa Italia opener against Carrarese last weekend, completing the full 90 minutes, which sent another mixed signal to every interested club.
Celtic’s pursuit of the 22-year-old directly stems from the £22 million departure of Arne Engels to West Ham United. Losing a midfielder of that calibre creates an obvious void, and the board under O’Neill has clearly identified Gineitis as the profile to fill it.
Advertisement
T4O take: Is it the right decision now for Celtic?
CREMONA, ITALY – APRIL 19: Gvidas Gineitis of Torino FC in action during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and Torino FC at Stadio Giovanni Zini on April 19, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)
Now for the honest assessment, and it’s a compelling one. Gineitis registered 29 Serie A appearances in 2025-26, clocking 1,767 minutes, contributing one assist and creating 17 chances while maintaining a 78% passing completion rate. He stands 1.91 metres tall. Left-footed. Physically imposing in a way that Serie A’s relentless midfield combat actively tests, week in and week out.
Advertisement
The 45 tackles and 77 loose ball recoveries he accumulated last season aren’t empty numbers. They represent genuine defensive authority in one of Europe’s most physically demanding leagues. Against Carrarese in the Coppa Italia, he completed 40 of 46 passes at 87% accuracy and delivered seven passes into the final third. That’s not a passenger.
Celtic’s midfield need is real. Callum McGregor won’t play forever, and Oxlade-Chamberlain carries injury question marks. Gineitis offers something specific: progressive vertical passing, physical durability, and a defensive work rate that can genuinely compete in European knockout football. His 32 international caps for Lithuania, including three goals in eight World Cup qualifiers, signal a player performing consistently outside comfortable territory.
The fee, even at €10 million, represents smart business if Champions League qualification gets secured. Torino’s own financial position, with sporting director Gianluca Petrachi confirming the club need to recoup funds after a roughly €20 million operating shortfall this season, does suggest their resolve has a ceiling. Celtic just need to find it, and quickly, before RB Salzburg do.
[/gpt3]