Celtic Keeping Close Tabs On This Irish Fullback: Smart Addition As Tierney’s Understudy? | OneFootball

If a recent update from Courier Sport is true, Celtic are keeping close tabs on Will Ferry, as they are assessing several names in their hunt for a new left-back. They scouted him extensively over the past few months, but have yet to make an official approach for the Dundee United star.

Born in England, the Republic of Ireland international progressed through the academy ranks of his hometown club Bury before joining Southampton. Despite being a regular for the Saints’ reserves, he was initially loaned out to Crawley Town in League Two, followed by a permanent switch to League One club Cheltenham Town. Dundee United snapped him up on a Bosman in the summer of 2024, and the 25-year-old defender has since featured for them week in, and week out, scoring 4 goals and assisting 14 times in 85 appearances across competitions.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – APRIL 04: Will Ferry of Dundee United blocks the cross from Andreas Skov Olsen of Rangers during the William Hill Premiership match between Rangers and Dundee United at Ibrox Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Zak Mauger/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Ferry has rejected a move to Czechia, even after The Tangerines accepted a £1.7m bid earlier this month. They are closing in on Philadelphia Union’s Philippe Ndinga, suggesting the Irishman’s likely exit in the coming days, given the interest from the MLS and English Championship clubs alongside the Scottish champions.

Why He Would Be A Shrewd Signing For Celtic

The Hoops need a new left fullback after failing to extend Marcelo Saracchi’s stay at Celtic Park. James Penrice, currently enjoying his football in Greece with AEK Athens, has also emerged as a summer target. But Ferry could be a more suitable alternative at a minuscule fee, with his contract at Tannadice Park set to expire in June 2027. United must aim for a profit rather than lose him for nothing next year, and his consistency down the left might have convinced the representatives in Glasgow’s east end before submitting a concrete offer.

Ferry grabbed the attention last season for his stellar brace and an assist in their 3-0 victory over city rivals Dundee. He also fired in their emphatic 2-0 home win against the Bhoys in March, as his attacking flair has often made a difference in Jim Goodwin’s 3-4-3 set-up.

Celtic have Kieran Tierney, who rejoined his boyhood club last summer from Arsenal. The Scotland international continues to be the preferred option for the left-back spot. But the gaffer Martin O’Neill would require a quality understudy, capable enough to deputise for the Tartan Army ace amid a congested schedule. Although Ferry might have to find a balance between attack and defence, his explosive runs, cut-ins, and crosses tick the boxes of a modern-day fullback.