Where next for the Albion’s one-time teenage scoring sensation? We refer of course to Evan Ferguson, who has been told that a move to Celtic can help him get his Brighton career back on track.
It feels like a big summer for Ferguson. His season-long loan at Roma was cut short in March by another ankle operation.
The poor bloke has been unable to catch a break when it comes to injuries over recent seasons- and how the latest problem occurred sums up Ferguson’s wretched luck.
Roma were leading Stuttgart 2-0 in the Europa League. Ferguson had impressed, playing the entire 90 minutes. Entering injury time, he twisted his ankle when avoiding a collision with a pitch side photographer.
Ferguson had been enjoying a decent season at Roma prior to this latest blow. Five goals and two assists in 22 appearances represented a solid return for a player who arrived in the Eternal City with his confidence rock bottom.
His first goal for I Giallorossi on November 23rd 2025 was the first time he netted in a club game for over 12 months – going all the way back to the Albion’s 2-2 draw with Wolves at the Amex on October 26th 2024. Yes, that 2-2 draw.
Ferguson had only one assist prior to scoring against Cremonese. Six attacking involvements over the next two months suggested he was getting better and more confident the more he played.
We can therefore assume the best way for Ferguson to rediscover the form which saw him become the first teenager since Wayne Rooney to score 10 Premier League goals in a calendar year is by playing regular minutes in a league where he is likely to plunder goals.
According to former Republic or Ireland international striker Shane Long, that means a move to Celtic for 2026-27.
Celtic move would be exciting for Evan Ferguson
Speaking to BOYLE Sports, who offer the latest football betting, Long said: “Celtic could be an exciting option for Evan Ferguson. Three years ago he was the Young Player of the Year at Brighton. Clubs like Manchester United were looking at him.”
“I know injuries played a part, but it hasn’t really happened for him since then. He didn’t hit the ground running at Roma and is now back at Brighton.”
“He needs to come back flying in pre-season. He needs to train hard all summer to make an impression straight away and have that commitment in himself. It is a shame because he has a lot of quality. It is just a matter of confidence at the moment.”
“Celtic is a massive club. It is not somewhere you can go just to try and find your feet. You need to go in there and score.”
“But any striker who goes to Celtic is going to get loads of chances. It could build Ferguson’s confidence back. As long as he takes those chances.”
Good man management key to getting Ferguson back on track
Long also believes Ferguson needs good man management to get his career back on track. Something he believes either Martin O’Neill or Robbie Keane would provide.
Celtic are yet to confirm who will be in charge next season. O’Neill secured the Scottish Premiership title last season thanks to the worst VAR decision you will ever see going in their favour and a pitch invasion meaning the full time whistle never blew when Hearts visited Celtic Park on the final day.
He resembled an angry man shouting at a cloud in trying to defend Celtic supporters after their actions. And at 74-years-old, Celtic chiefs might want a younger permanent managerial appointment looking to the long-term future.
Keane is available after leaving Hungarian side Ferencvaros. He led them to runners up spot in the league and lifted the Hungarian Cup in his only season in charge.
It was his second managerial role. In his first, Keane won the Israeli Premier League and Toto Cup double with Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Having proven himself in Israel and Hungary, Keane should find managing in the inferior Scottish Pub League a walk in the park.
Long said: “A manager like Robbie Keane would be a great partnership for Ferguson if he was there, building back his confidence.”
“And if Martin O’Neill was there, he would be brilliant for Evan as well. Getting that confidence up, putting his arm around him. Ferguson just needs that arm around him to get that out of him and that confidence.”
“As a striker, everyone goes through that stage where they are really struggling and really doubting themselves. You just need a manager who fully trusts in you to help get that trust back in yourself.”
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