Celtic Keeping Close Tabs On Another Summer Target: Why They Must Bring Him To Parkhead

If a recent report from the transfer expert Graeme Bailey is believed to be true, Celtic are keeping close tabs on Evan Ferguson and could reignite interest in the Irishman within six months of his high-profile loan move to AS Roma from Brighton & Hove Albion. The Serie A giants have an option to purchase the centre-forward for €40m, but could now send him back to his parent club, primarily due to form and fitness reasons.

The 21-year-old Republic of Ireland international progressed through the academy ranks of St Kevin’s Boys and Bohemians before bursting into the latter’s first-team scenes at the age of 14. The Seagulls snapped him up in January 2021 and eventually promoted him to their Premier League squad. Despite enjoying a couple of productive campaigns, Ferguson’s numbers declined last season, leading to a loan move to West Ham United earlier this year after falling down the pecking order under Fabian Hürzeler.

Celtic target Ferguson in action for Republic of Ireland
DUBLIN, IRELAND – OCTOBER 14: Evan Ferguson of the Republic of Ireland battles for possession with Ugochukwu Iwu of Armenia during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between the Republic of Ireland and Armenia at Aviva Stadium on October 14, 2025, in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)

But a reunion with Graham Potter did not work out either, as he only appeared eight times for the Hammers, failing to find the net during his brief tenure. The youngster has so far struggled in Italy with just one assist in 10 appearances across competitions. Although he started the first few games, Artem Dovbyk has eventually replaced him up top under Gian Piero Gasperini.

Why Ferguson Should Explore A Fresh Move In January

Meanwhile, the Republic of Ireland have a massive game against Hungary lined up, which will decide their hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. A surprise victory over group leaders Portugal has restored their playoff hopes, and all eyes are now on Troy Parrott, who netted a brace on Thursday night while spearheading the attack in Ferguson’s absence.

Adam Idah, the former Hoops ‘number 9, also remains an option for The Boys in Green, and the Giallorossi outcast must attain game time in the club football to reclaim his starting status for his country. Ferguson should weigh up his options in the winter window, and Celtic, having failed to replace Kyogo Furuhashi upfront, must step up the chase after a calamitous summer business.

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Why Celtic Should Snap Him Up

Former boss Brendan Rodgers roped in Kelechi Iheanacho on a Bosman, as the club failed to land their major targets throughout the window. The Northern Irishman has parted ways after a fallout with the Celtic board, and Martin O’Neill, the interim Bhoys chief, is now banking on young Johnny Kenny upfront amid Iheanacho and Callum Osmand’s injury absence. Shin Yamada seems not to have a future at Parkhead; also, wantaway Daizen Maeda could finally secure a desired move amid interest from south of the border.

Maeda’s exit would be a massive blow for the Glasgow giants, who must act swiftly by snapping up a renowned figure. Ferguson would offer a different kind of threat with his strong physical and aerial presence, aggression, pace and power in and around the box, and the management must not repeat summer’s mistake by losing out on the highly-rated Irish ace.