Celtic transfer target has 'opened talks' with European club amid SPFL Premiership shopping raid
Premiership rival star has been linked with a Hoops switch
Celtic could lose out on transfer target Will Ferry as Belgian side Anderlecht have ‘opened talks’ with Dundee United over their sought-after defender.
The 25-year old emerged as a Hoops target as they look to find cover for starting left back Kieran Tierney, given his unfortunate fitness record. Last season, Boca Juniors loanee Marcelo Saracchi was a more than capable backup, but talks to sign him permanently collapsed earlier this month, despite the Uruguayan angling for a move. Republic of Ireland international Ferry has since become a candidate.
However, Anderlecht have now thrown the cat among the pigeons for the Hoops if they want to strike a deal as the Pro League side are now acting upon their long-term interest in Ferry. Having just signed Rangers winger Oliver Antman for £4m, manager Vitor Bruno is no stranger to the SPFL market.
Anderlecht open talks with Dundee United over star
A report from the Daily Record claims Anderlecht have ‘opened talks’ with the Tangerines over a potential Ferry move in the last 24 hours. The Irishman had been the subject of an accepted deal from Czech side Sigma Olomouc last month, reportedly worth up to £1.7m including add-ons, however the player decided this wasn’t the right move for him.
Ferry started in Dundee United’s opener against Rangers at Tannadice on Friday night in their 1-1 stalemate. He had previously been training with the Arabs’ academy amid the outside speculation but was reinstated into the first team for their last two Premier Sports Cup group stage fixtures. Newly-promoted Bundesliga side Schalke also remain keen on the defender, alongside EFL Championship sides Charlton Athletic and Blackburn Rovers.
Goodwin ‘delighted’ Ferry remains at Tannadice for now
Speaking through the week ahead of the Rangers clash, Goodwin spoke highly of his defender - who won the Player of the Year award after an impressive 2025/26 season. He told Sky Sports: “Will Ferry is still a Dundee Utd player, it's as simple as that. It's been well-documented that a few weeks ago, we accepted a considerable offer for him.
“Will and his representatives mulled it over and decided that wasn't an opportunity that they wanted to pursue. As a manager I’m absolutely delighted because he's been one of our best players over the last couple of seasons and we're delighted to have him here.”
If Ferry was to complete his Anderlecht switch, Celtic would have to look elsewhere for reinforcements. Former stopper Greg Taylor has been linked with a Hoops return after falling out of favour with current club PAOK. Also in the Greek Super League former Hearts man James Penrice is on Celtic’s shortlist, however he still has two years left on his deal at AEK Athens.