Celtic target £1.7m star transfer after Hoops scout takes in ace's 'sensational' display as bids expected
Premiership rival has impressed Hoops hero who is now a Chief Scout
Celtic have Dundee United left back Will Ferry on their ‘radar’ after missing out on Boca Juniors’ Marcelo Saracchi.
The Hoops have reportedly turned their attention from Argentina to Tannadice as talks with Saracchi collapsed despite negotiations for a permanent move after a successful loan spell last season. Ferry, 25, is now on a shortlist which includes AEK Athens’ James Penrice as potential options to cover Kieren Tierney at left back. The Arabs defender has already been the subject of a £1.7m accepted bid this summer from a top flight Czech side but the player rejected it.
The Irishman has been a mainstay for Jim Goodwin since signing as a free agent in 2024, after being released from Cheltenham Town. Last season he particularly excelled, winning United’s Player of the Year award. He was on the scoresheet in the Tangerines’ 2-0 home victory over Celtic in March, then bagged a brace and an assist in a 3-0 Tannadice Dundee Derby victory a month later, where reportedly Hoops scout Tosh McKinley was watching on.
Celtic target Dundee United star after ‘sensational’ Derby performance
According to the Courier: “Dundee United star Will Ferry is on Celtic’s radar as the Scottish champions seek to bolster their options at left-back, Courier Sport understands. The Hoops have missed out on the permanent signing of Uruguayan defender Marcelo Saracchi, who impressed on loan last season – as confirmed by the player on Instagram.
“As such, Celtic remain keen to secure competition for Scotland international Kieran Tierney. And Ferry is among the targets being considered. It is understood Parkhead scout Tosh McKinlay has watched the Ireland international in person on several occasions, including his sensational display in United’s 3-0 win over Dundee in March, during which he scored two and teed up the other.”
Whoever takes on the role of ‘backup’ left back has big shoes to fill after Saracchi’s heroics last season. The 28-year old made 27 appearances last season and at times challenged Tierney for a place in the starting XI. Ferry possesses similar qualities to the former Hoops loanee with his powerful running style and willingness to get as far up the pitch as possible. With nine assists in all competitions last season, the Ireland international has also received plaudits for his crossing ability.
Goodwin on Ferry outside noise
Ferry has started for United in their last two games of the Premier Sports Cup, which both culminated in comfortable home wins against Arbroath and Spartans respectively. After the Arbroath win on Saturday, manager Jim Goodwin claimed he’s naturally hoping to keep one of his star performers, but also recognises that the club may be forced to move him on if the price is right.
He told Premier Sports: “As any manager would say, you don’t ever want to lose your best players - but equally part of our business is that player-trading model in that we want long term success. Will Ferry is a player who we signed as a free agent from Cheltenham, who we gave a platform to up here to show what he can do. He’s certainly done that over the past two years.”