Celtic move could bring out best in Evan Ferguson – John Arne Riise | OneFootball

Former Roma defender John Arne Riise believes a move to Celtic could bring out the best in Evan Ferguson, despite the striker recently scoring twice against the Scottish champions…

Riise has suggested the Republic of Ireland international’s style is better suited to the physical and tactical demands of football in Britain, and he has not dismissed the idea of the forward one day pulling on the Hoops.

While Ferguson caught the eye with his Europa League display at Celtic Park for Gian Piero Gasperini’s side a few weeks ago, his domestic return in Italy has been more poor, with just one goal from 12 Serie A outings since joining Roma on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion.

Evan Ferguson of AS Roma celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD6 match between Celtic FC and AS Roma at Celtic Park on December 11, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

That limited impact has fuelled debate over whether Brighton could consider cutting the loan short in January and finding an alternative temporary destination to aid his development.

Ferguson’s support for Celtic has only added to the speculation, and Riise believes that connection, combined with the player’s profile, makes Celtic a realistic and intriguing option for the future.

Speaking via Irish Mirror, the ex-Liverpool defender said: “Italian football is also difficult to adapt to, I think it’s better for him to look somewhere else to get back his feeling.”

Evan Ferguson of AS Roma scores his team’s third goal during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD6 match between Celtic FC and AS Roma at Celtic Park on December 11, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

“But then again, he stepped up and scored two goals in the Europa League, that might be what he needed to get back his confidence and the belief from the supporters and the club to believe in him because, don’t get me wrong, he’s a good player.”

“His style of play is more like Premier League, Championship, Scottish football, but now he’s scored two goals and hopefully that will push him on. Could he end up at Celtic? Never say never. He’s a player who fits better in those kind of clubs, to be fair.”

Tony Bloom, the Brighton owner, attended his first game at Tynecastle since taking a 29% stake in the club. Heart of Midlothian v Aberdeen, Scottish Premiership, 4 August 2025. Photo Neil Hanna Shutterstock

It would also be highly unlikely that Tony Bloom would sanction a move for Ferguson to join Celtic given Hearts are still well in the mix at the top of the table.

Conor Spence

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