Celtic's interest in Torino midfielder Gvidas Gineitis has resurfaced as Arne Engels edges closer to the Parkhead exit. West Ham have ramped up their pursuit of the Belgian this week, only to have a bid rejected by the Glasgow club.
Gineitis was previously on Celtic's radar when Nottingham Forest had a £25million offer turned down in January. Now the Lithuania international is once again being linked with a move to Glasgow's east end.
Age and early career
Gineitis is 22 but already has considerable top-level experience. He made his Torino first-team debut in a surprise start against Milan in 2023, aged just 18. The midfielder came to Italy in August 2020 from the SPAL youth academy as a teenager.
Why he was given an early chance
His then-boss Ivan Juric explained why such a young player was trusted: "He is an interesting talent and the only left-footed midfielder in the entire squad."
Height and playing style
Standing just over 6ft 3in tall, Gineitis is difficult to miss in Torino's midfield engine room. His main asset is versatility, with the Lithuania international capable of operating in several roles, though he primarily plays as a defensive midfielder.
Gineitis said: "In modern football, you have to be able to play any role. Last season I had to play as an attacking midfielder. I'm just ready and if the coach tells me to play as an attacking midfielder, I'll play there. The ability to adapt is a big part of modern football. I can play between winger and attacking midfielder. Do I have any preferences? I prefer to be a defensive midfielder."
International pedigree
He is regarded as the rising star of Lithuanian football, having been named the country's young player of the year in 2022. National team boss Edgaras Jankauskas said: "I am pleased to see his progress. He is one that other players will study in textbooks."
Torino's view
Before his summer departure, former Torino boss Roberto D'Aversa challenged Gineitis to develop into a top player. He said: "He's a midfielder, but he could also be considered an attacking midfielder. Not to play with his back to goal, but to exploit crosses. He's got structure, he can be dangerous. He's scored three goals so far, but he's a player who can score seven or eight goals a season . It's up to him to prove he can be a top player."
Transfer cost
Reports in Italy suggest bidding for the rising talent starts at £9million, meaning Celtic would need to meet a significant asking price to secure his signature.
What the player and agent say
Gineitis is keeping his options open, saying: "I don't look to the future. I just work every day. We'll see what happens after each year. When I was a kid, I just dreamed of playing football professionally. Now that's what I do."
His agent, Dmitry Vinokurov, has been more forthcoming, admitting his client is ready for a move. He said: "Torino holds Gvidas in high regard and believes in his future. The player has steadily improved within the club and is considered an important part of the project."
He added: "At the same time, Gvidas is ambitious, as any player competing at this level should be. There have already been expressions of interest from other clubs, which is natural considering his age, performance, and potential. If an interesting offer were to arrive for both Torino and Gvidas, it would certainly be carefully evaluated."
