Borussia Dortmund interest highlights Celtic’s growing Fares Ghedjemis problem

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Reports that Borussia Dortmund are now tracking Fares Ghedjemis should concern Celtic.

Not because Dortmund are favourites to sign him, but because Celtic no longer appear to be operating from the position of strength they held just a few months ago.

Celtic deserve credit for identifying Ghedjemis early and attempting to bring him to Glasgow during the winter window. However, the circumstances around the player have changed significantly since then.

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Is Fares Ghedjemis worth the £6.5m Celtic appear willing to pay?

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Celtic were ahead of the curve on Fares Ghedjemis

When Celtic launched a move for Ghedjemis in January, they appeared to be acting before much of the wider European market. The recruitment team had identified a player with clear potential and tried to move decisively.

The transfer ultimately failed to materialise, with Ghedjemis remaining at Frosinone. At the time, that looked like a disappointment rather than a major setback.

Months later, it is becoming increasingly clear that Celtic’s best opportunity to sign him may have come and gone.

Celtic now face a tougher battle than they did in January

Ghedjemis’ performances help explain why. The winger reportedly produced 15 goals and three assists during the most recent campaign, numbers that were always likely to attract further attention.

That growing profile appears to have done exactly that. Borussia Dortmund are now reported to be monitoring the player, while other clubs across Europe have also been credited with interest.

None of this means Celtic cannot still sign Ghedjemis. There is no evidence that a transfer elsewhere has been agreed, nor that Celtic have ended their interest.

What it does mean is that the landscape looks very different from the one Celtic encountered earlier in the year. Frosinone have a stronger position, the player has a higher profile, and rival clubs are paying attention.

Identifying talent before everyone else is one of the most important parts of recruitment. The challenge for Celtic now is that the rest of the market appears to have caught up.