Celtic Quit €20m Race As Monaco Step Up Bid For 23-Year-Old: Rght Decision?

Celtic Quit €20m Race As Monaco Step Up Bid For 23-Year-Old: Rght Decision? 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 Celtic and Rangers , meanwhile, have withdrawn from the race as the asking price climbs.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. 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) 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. 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.