Headline: AS Monaco Pursues Frosinone Winger Farès Ghedjemis Amid Competition from Besiktas
AS Monaco has reportedly submitted a new offer for Frosinone winger Farès Ghedjemis, according to journalist Santi Aouna. Meanwhile, Besiktas is engaging in discussions over a potentially more appealing contract for the player.
Ghedjemis is said to lean towards a move to Monaco, although he is still considering the Turkish option. In contrast, Celtic and Rangers have chosen to withdraw from the race as the player’s asking price increases. Aouna’s insights suggest a three-way competition for the winger, but Monaco appears to be in the lead due to the player’s preference for a transfer to France.
The Algerian talent had an impressive season in Italy, scoring 15 goals and providing three assists in 37 Serie B matches. His standout performances earned him a call-up to the Algerian national team, and he made his senior debut in March 2026, where he scored against Guatemala, ultimately securing a spot on the World Cup squad.
Celtic’s decision to pull out of the chase seems financially sound. Reports indicate that Ghedjemis’s price tag is around €20 million, representing a significant investment for a player who has only had one standout season in Italy’s second division. This cost would place a heavy burden on Celtic, especially when the club could allocate similar funds across multiple positions.
Additionally, Ghedjemis’s clear preference for Monaco is an important factor. Celtic manager Martin O’Neill would face the risk of investing heavily in a player who may not prioritize their offer. Complicated negotiations could lead to a challenging sporting decision, particularly with Monaco actively looking to replace Maghnes Akliouche.
A more reasonable deal structure might have included an initial payment of €8 million, €4 million in performance-related bonuses, and a 20% sell-on clause to mitigate immediate risks. However, such a financial commitment would still expose Celtic to uncertainty for a player still proving himself in Serie B.
Choosing to step back allows Celtic to allocate their resources towards addressing multiple squad needs rather than focusing on a single costly winger, especially if the reported €20 million valuation remains unchanged.
Ghedjemis possesses genuine talent, evidenced by his goal tally, assists, and World Cup selection, indicating a solid upward trajectory. Nevertheless, potential should have its limits in terms of price.
For Celtic, that limit appears to be less than what is currently demanded. With Monaco having a stronger attraction and Besiktas capable of offering financial incentives, Frosinone can afford to wait for the best proposal. For now, Celtic opts to shield their budget and avoid an escalating bidding war, making their decision more straightforward.
AS Monaco have made a fresh offer for Frosinone winger Farès Ghedjemis, according to journalist Santi Aouna, with Besiktas now holding talks over a contract that could prove more attractive.
Ghedjemis reportedly prefers Monaco, yet he has kept the Turkish option open. Celtic and Rangers, meanwhile, have withdrawn from the race as the asking price climbs. Aouna’s report points to a three-way tussle, although Monaco hold the strongest hand because the player favours France.
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The Algerian enjoyed a breakout campaign in Italy. He scored 15 goals in 37 Serie B appearances and added three assists. His form earned him an Algeria call-up. He made his senior debut in March 2026, scoring against Guatemala, before reaching the World Cup squad.
T4O take: Why Celtic made the right call
Celtic‘s decision to step away makes financial sense. Reports around the chase have placed Ghedjemis at roughly €20 million, a huge commitment for a player with one outstanding season in Italy’s second tier. That fee would mean an enormous outlay for Celtic, particularly when the club could spread similar money across several positions.
There is another concern. Ghedjemis prefers Monaco, and that preference matters. Martin O’Neill would have risked spending heavily on a player whose first choice already points elsewhere. A difficult negotiation could then become an awkward sporting decision, with Monaco pushing hard to replace Maghnes Akliouche.
GENOA, ITALY – MARCH 27: Farès Ghedjemis of Algeria is seen in action during an international friendly match between Algeria and Guatemala at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on March 27, 2026 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
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A sensible deal would have needed structure. An €8 million initial payment, €4 million in performance add-ons and a 20% sell-on clause could have lowered the immediate risk. Even then, Celtic would have carried exposure for a player still proving himself outside Serie B.
Celtic can spend the money elsewhere
Walking away gives Celtic room to address several needs instead of concentrating resources on one expensive winger. That matters even more if the reported €20 million valuation holds.
Ghedjemis has genuine traits, and his numbers deserve respect. 15 league goals, three assists and a place at the 2026 World Cup show that his rise has substance. Potential still needs a price ceiling.
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For Celtic, that ceiling looks lower than the current demands. Monaco have the stronger pull, Besiktas can offer a lucrative alternative, and Frosinone can wait for the best package. Celtic, meanwhile, can protect their budget and move on from a bidding battle that could have become expensive very quickly. That makes Celtic’s decision easier.
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