Celtic's transfer window concluded with a major deal collapsing, as the club's move for Torino midfielder Gvidas Gineitis fell through after the Europa League squad deadline passed. The news comes despite a frantic final 48 hours that saw manager Martin O'Neill bolster his squad with six new signings, as reported by The Scotsman. The proposed £9 million transfer for Gineitis is now likely to wait until at least the January window.
Celtic currently sit first in the Premiership with a perfect record of 12 points from four games, scoring 11 goals and conceding just two. They hold a two-point lead over St Mirren heading into their next fixture, an away match against Aberdeen on December 19th. The club's strong start has been achieved while managing a significant injury list, with Callum Osmand, Jota, Kasper Høgh, and Kieran Tierney all currently sidelined.
Who did Celtic sign before the deadline?
In a whirlwind finish to the summer window, Celtic confirmed six new arrivals. Goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, defenders Jordan Lotomba and Landon Emenalo, midfielders Oliver Sorensen and Joel van den Berg, and striker Shim Mheuka all joined the Parkhead side. This influx of talent significantly strengthens O'Neill's options across the pitch as they compete on domestic and European fronts. Fans can track the updated squad composition on the club's official squad page.
Why did the Gineitis transfer fail?
The key factor in the collapse of the Gineitis deal was the passing of the UEFA Europa League squad registration deadline. With that deadline gone, any move for the Lithuanian midfielder would have left him ineligible for European competition this autumn. Consequently, the club and player are now expected to reassess the situation in the new year. The £9 million fee that had been in the pipeline will not be spent in this window.
What happened elsewhere in the Premiership?
Rivals Rangers are set to complete the signing of Kevin Kelsy from Portland Timbers for a fee over £9 million, with manager Derek McInnes confirming he expected the deal done before the 5pm deadline. McInnes also teased the potential for one more incoming deal. At Hearts, boss Wouter Vrancken expressed confidence that star man Claudio Braga would stay, telling the player he can benefit from remaining at Tynecastle for the first half of the season. Braga, who won every Scottish Premiership player of the year award last season, was widely tipped for a summer exit.
Hibs boss David Gray remained calm about the window closing just before the Edinburgh derby, having already reinforced his defence with the signing of Serbian international Marko Ivezic. Dundee manager Steven Pressley dismissed interest in captain Ethan Hamilton, stating the player was "going nowhere" after their draw with St Johnstone. The closure of several major European league deadlines has now reduced the immediate market pressure on Scotland's top players.
Celtic's focus now shifts entirely to maintaining their flawless league start. Their next challenge is a trip to face Aberdeen, who currently sit 10th in the table, on December 19th. Full fixture details are available on the club's fixtures page.
