Celtic may have received a timely boost in their ongoing pursuit of Torino midfielder Gvidas Gineitis.
Reports from Italy suggest the Serie A side are closing in on a new midfielder of their own.
Torino Move for Braganca Could Open Door
According to Portuguese outlet A Bola, Torino are now the frontrunners to sign Sporting CP midfielder Daniel Braganca.
The deal is potentially worth around €7million.
Braganca is a left-footed box-to-box player who operates in a similar zone of the pitch to Gineitis.
That similarity has raised the clear possibility that Torino are preparing for the Lithuanian’s departure.
Familiar Face for Celtic Supporters
The Sporting midfielder will already be known to many Celtic fans.
He scored twice against the Hoops during a pre-season friendly earlier this summer.
Those goals left a lasting impression on the travelling support.
Celtic’s Interest Remains Strong
Martin O’Neill has been actively pursuing the Lithuania international as he attempts to strengthen his midfield options.
The transfer window is still open and the manager wants reinforcements before it closes.
Gineitis has been high on Celtic’s list for some time.
There have been understandable concerns that the club’s disastrous Champions League exit against LASK could jeopardise moves for more ambitious targets.
Gineitis is among those whose future remains unresolved.
Yet the latest developments in Italy could work in Celtic’s favour.
Competition for the Player
Celtic are not alone in their interest.
Red Bull Salzburg are also reportedly keen on the 22-year-old.
Anderlecht have been credited with entering the race for his signature as well.
That competition could still complicate matters, particularly after Celtic failed to secure Champions League football.
Why Gineitis Remains an Attractive Target
Despite the extra rivals, Gineitis continues to look like a strong fit for the Scottish champions.
Standing at 6ft 3in and naturally left-footed, he only turned 22 in April.
He has already built up significant Serie A experience with Torino.
The midfielder joined the Italian club from Lithuanian side Atmosfera Mazeikiai in January 2023.
Since then he has established himself at senior level and shown consistency in a tough league.
His physical presence and ability to cover ground make him a modern midfield option.
Tactical Fit Under O’Neill
Martin O’Neill’s side has shown moments of control in the Scottish Premiership this season.
Yet the midfield has sometimes lacked the height and left-footed balance that Gineitis would provide.
A player of his profile could offer protection in front of the defence while still progressing the ball.
Celtic’s recent domestic form has been solid enough to keep them near the top of the table.
However, the early exit from Europe has left some supporters frustrated and demanding fresh blood.
A move for Gineitis would be seen by many as a statement of ambition.
Torino’s Perspective and Serie A Context
Torino sit in a competitive mid-table position in Serie A at this stage of the campaign.
They have been looking to refresh their midfield options as the window enters its final phase.
Bringing in Braganca would give them a ready-made replacement if Gineitis were to leave.
The Portuguese player’s box-to-box energy and left foot would allow Torino to maintain balance.
That kind of planning often signals a club is ready to listen to offers for an existing squad member.
Celtic will be hoping the reported progress on Braganca accelerates talks.
Fan Reaction Across Social Media
Celtic supporters have reacted with cautious optimism to the latest reports.
Many have taken to social media to express hope that the club can finally land a midfielder of Gineitis’s quality.
Others remain wary after previous near-misses and the financial impact of missing out on the Champions League.
The failure to progress past LASK still stings.
Fans know that European qualification brings both prestige and a significant boost to the transfer budget.
Without that extra income, landing a player also wanted by Salzburg and Anderlecht becomes harder.
What Happens Next
The coming days will be crucial.
Torino’s pursuit of Braganca is still developing, and nothing is signed yet.
If that deal progresses, Celtic may find the door to Gineitis opens wider than it has for several weeks.
O’Neill and his recruitment team will continue to monitor the situation closely.
They understand the need for reinforcements if the squad is to maintain its domestic challenge and compete on multiple fronts.
Gineitis’s age, physical attributes and Serie A experience make him a target worth pursuing until the window shuts.
Broader Transfer Window Picture
Celtic have already made moves in other areas this summer, yet midfield depth remains a talking point among supporters.
The loss of Champions League revenue has forced a more measured approach to spending.
A relatively modest outlay for a player of Gineitis’s potential would represent good business if it can be agreed.
Meanwhile, the player himself has continued to feature for Torino.
His performances have kept him firmly on the radar of several clubs across Europe.
At 22 he still has plenty of room to grow, which only increases his appeal.
Looking Ahead
Whether the Braganca developments ultimately free Gineitis for a move north remains to be seen.
What is clear is that Celtic have received a measure of encouragement at a time when their transfer plans needed a lift.
The next few days of negotiation will decide if that encouragement turns into a concrete opportunity.
For now, the focus stays on the pitch as O’Neill’s side prepare for their next Premiership fixtures.
A strong domestic run would only strengthen the club’s position when speaking to potential targets.
Gineitis would add height, left-footed quality and Serie A know-how to a midfield that has shown both promise and vulnerability this season.
Celtic fans will be watching the Italian transfer news as closely as their own club’s statements in the days ahead.
If Torino do secure Braganca, the path to Parkhead for Gvidas Gineitis could become clearer than it has been all summer.
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