Celtic optimistic to beat Premier League clubs Everton and Nottingham Forest in the battle for Brighton & Hove Albion striker Evan Ferguson.
The
20-year-old failed to live up to expectations during his loan spell at West Ham United in the latter part of last season and now faces an uncertain future at the Amex Stadium.
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According to former Premier League scout Mick Brown, Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is working for the Scottish champions to strike an ambitious loan deal for Ferguson until the 2025/26 season.
“Celtic can offer attractive opportunities”
In an interview with Football Insider, Brown stated: “Celtic can offer attractive opportunities for players like Ferguson. They will play in the Champions League and fight for titles, which will be valuable experience for a player of his age.”
“He will come in as first choice up top, something he may not be guaranteed elsewhere, especially in the Premier League where he has shown that he is struggling to secure a regular place in the starting line-up.”
“He struggled on loan at West Ham last year and now he has to make his mark and show that he can be the player everyone thinks he can be. For a team like Everton or Forest, he will still have a lot to contribute.”
“But at Celtic, he can be the main man at the top, away from the pressure of the Premier League, and prove what he is capable of. I think Brendan Rodgers will work hard to get that in place – he wants to be ambitious in the transfer market.”
Other Celtic transfers in the pipeline
Celtic have also struck a deal with Nordsjælland for the signing of striker Benjamin Nygren for £1.7 million, while they are reportedly working on a “surprise” deal for Albirex Niigata defender Hayato Inamura.
Crystal Palace confirm the signing of Walter Benitez
In the Premier League, Crystal Palace have announced that they have signed experienced goalkeeper Walter Benitez.
The 32-year-old will officially join the “Eagles” on a free transfer and will join Oliver Glasner’s squad from July 1, after his contract with PSV Eindhoven expires.
“An excellent addition”
“Walter is an outstanding addition to our squad and brings further quality, experience and competition to our goalkeeping department alongside Dean [Henderson] and Remi [Matthews],” Palace chairman Steve Parish said on the club’s website.
“We can’t wait to welcome Walter to South London next month as we prepare for a busy season with games on multiple fronts in 2025/26.”
Impulsive CV
Benitez leaves PSV after winning two consecutive Eredivisie titles and making 134 appearances for the Dutch club in the last three seasons.
The individual Argentina international, who also spent six years at Nice, has broad European experience and played 11 Champions League games last season, facing both Liverpool and Arsenal.
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