Celtic risk missing out on Will Ferry as Anderlecht make major transfer move | OneFootball

Celtic could be forced to make a quick decision over Will Ferry, with Anderlecht reportedly making significant progress in their pursuit of the Dundee United defender.

The Hoops have identified the Republic of Ireland international as one of the options under consideration at left-back as Martin O’Neill looks to strengthen his defensive options following Marcelo Saracchi’s departure.

However, competition for Ferry is beginning to intensify and Celtic risk being overtaken in the race for his signature.

Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri reports that Anderlecht have entered advanced negotiations with Dundee United over a deal for the 25-year-old.

Ferry is also said to have given his approval to the potential switch to Belgium, clearing one significant hurdle towards an agreement.

Anderlecht are not yet across the line, though, with Blackburn Rovers still determined to make their own move.

According to The Courier, the EFL Championship club are preparing to accelerate their long-standing interest in Ferry as they attempt to prevent the Belgian giants from completing a deal.

That could leave Celtic watching a transfer battle develop unless they decide to formalise their own interest in the coming days.

For the time being, Ferry remains firmly in Jim Goodwin’s plans at Tannadice and will continue to be available for selection until an agreement is reached over his future.

The full-back strengthened his growing reputation with another impressive display on the opening weekend of the Premiership campaign, helping Dundee United earn a 1-1 draw against Rangers.

His progress since arriving in Tayside has been considerable.

United secured Ferry on a free transfer in the summer of 2024 after overcoming significant competition for his signature, and the move has proven to be an excellent piece of recruitment.

Celtic supporters were given a particularly painful demonstration of his qualities towards the end of last season.

Ferry opened the scoring and then created United’s second in their 2-0 victory over the Hoops in April.

His influence at Tannadice has extended beyond his performances on the pitch, with Goodwin appointing him vice-captain ahead of last season and regularly trusting him with the armband.

Ferry’s emergence at club level eventually earned recognition on the international stage as well.

Despite never representing the Republic of Ireland at youth level, his form for Dundee United was enough to earn a first senior cap in May.

With Anderlecht now pushing strongly and Blackburn refusing to concede defeat, Celtic may have little time to make their move if Ferry remains high on their summer shortlist.

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