Gineitis and Sigur doubts, Brian Wilson’s broken promises, Ross Desmond rumour
It’s been reported that Celtic look to be shifting their signing policy in the wake of the disastrous and humiliating defeat in Linz, a loss which seen the club miss out on a big money bonanza. The current Celtic Board has now cost the club around £80m due to their failures in adequately strengthening the squad for the last two Champions League playoffs.
It’s now believed that bids for long term target Gvidas Gineitis of Torino is now in the balance, due to the catastrophic failure to overcome LASK despite at one point leading 4-0 on aggregate.
The 22 year old Lithuanian international was said to be a top target of Martin O’Neill, as the veteran Irishman looks to fill the void left by Arne Engels departure to West Ham, who was under contract at Celtic yet was allowed to leave as those in the boardroom eyed the £££s on offer.
Despite receiving £25 million for the Belgian international, it seems that the club are looking to cut back on big money signings after being denied access to the Champions League millions, yet again, due to their own inactions, and the policy towards European ‘participation’ that Ross Desmond read out on behalf of his daddy at the Celtic AGM last November.
The latest WhatsApp rumour is that young Ross will replace Brian Wilson next week to become the new Chairman.
Italian outlet Sportal has claimed that a move for Gineitis is “unlikely to materialise” after the Glasgow giants crashed out of Europe’s elite competition.
Martin O’Neill admitted that after defeat to LASK on Tuesday, there was uncertainty over the club’s business following the massive collapse in Linz, conceding some players would have joined the club just for a crack at the Champions League.
Yesterday supporters were challenging the board or even their happy clappers to provide previous examples and there were very few given. Maybe just Teemu Pukki over a decade ago.
It is claimed that the “changed situation” makes it increasingly likely that RB Salzburg, managed by Danny Rohl will win the signing race – with Torino demanding a €10million (£9million) payday to sell the highly rated 22 year old midfielder.
Moves for another long term target Niko Sigur also looks in doubt, despite reports a move was close to completion. It now looks as if Belgian side Genk are leading the race to sign the 22 year old Canadian international who can operate at right back, as well as midfield.
Toulouse, Coventry and the Scottish champions have been named as interested parties with Hadjuk demanding a £3.4million payday for the versatile midfielder.
But Croatian outlet Index are now reporting that the Belgian side have met the club’s asking price, and Hadjuk will evaluate the bid following their Conference League second leg clash with Raków Częstochowa on Thursday. It is noted that the Canadian international is “expected” to move before the end of the window.
There are conflicting reports on Celtic’s position here regarding Niko Sigur, even among the Celtic fan media sites. Celts Are Here claimed last night that there had been no bid from Celtic while 67 Hail Hail report this morning that ” a Split-based pundit says Niko Sigur is joining Celtic—but Genk have submitted a rival €4m offer. Here’s what the conflicting reports actually say.”
Missing out on both players would represent a major blow to Martin O’Neill, who badly requires new recruits to bolster his low on quality midfield, low on quality midfield.
The Celtic manager also needs cover at both fullback positions with only Kieran Tierney being available at left back and injury prone Alistair Johnston sidelined yet again, this time until October at the earliest.
Celtic’s Europa League campaign will be one when each and every Celtic supporter will have to make their own decision on and if the chequebook is put away due to the collapse in Linz – and LASK thoroughly deserved to win the tie – then next summer you’ll get what you pay for by buying those second tier tickets.
