Evan Ferguson to Celtic – Shay Given talks up latest transfer rumour | OneFootball

Former Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given has given his backing to the idea of Celtic launching a move for Brighton striker Evan Ferguson, insisting the 20-year-old needs a club that will make him their focal point…

Celtic are prioritising a new striker this summer following the departure of Kyogo Furuhashi to Rennes in January. While Adam Idah netted 20 goals during his debut campaign, and is highly regarded by Given, the ex-Newcastle man believes Ferguson could be a long-term answer up front if given the right environment to develop.

Evan Ferguson of Republic of Ireland during the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League match between England and Republic of Ireland at Wembley on November 17, 2024 (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Ferguson burst onto the Premier League scene in 2022 with Brighton and was once tipped for a £100 million move to one of Europe’s elite clubs. But after a run of 33 games without a goal and a disappointing loan spell at West Ham, his stock has dipped. The young forward now finds himself on the fringes, and Given feels it’s time for a change of scenery. At today’s media conference at Celtic Park, which was attended by The Celtic Star,  Given said:

“Evan just needs to find a home, if I’m being honest. He needs someone to say, ‘You’re my player’… I just think he needs to go, be it a loan for a season or some club buys him, and you build the team around him.”

While a permanent transfer might be financially unrealistic for Celtic, a loan move could prove a shrewd piece of business. Given noted that Ferguson has impressed behind the scenes, with former Brighton striker Bobby Zamora recently calling him the best finisher at the club.

Evan Ferguson during the Carabao Cup Fourth Round match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Liverpool at Amex Stadium on October 30, 2024. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Ferguson would face competition at Celtic Park, with Idah continuing to improve and remain in contention for both club and country. Given praised the former Norwich striker for his development, highlighting his 20-goal haul and growing presence in the Republic of Ireland squad.

Also on the radar is 22-year-old forward Johnny Kenny, who returned from a strong loan spell at Shamrock Rovers in January. Despite limited opportunities, Kenny scored his first Celtic goal at Pittodrie and featured in the Scottish Cup Final. Given believes regular football will be key to his growth.

Whether it’s Ferguson, Idah, or Kenny, it’s clear Celtic’s attacking options are under close scrutiny — and a marquee signing up top could define their summer.

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