Jeff Hendrick believes Evan Ferguson would be seriously tempted by the chance to join Celtic.
The Republic of Ireland forward, who has long been linked with Parkhead and is said to have supported the club as a boy, has seen his career stall in recent seasons. After slipping down the pecking order at Brighton, he made a loan switch to Roma, but injury has once again halted his progress.
Roma boss Gian Piero Gasperini recently admitted the situation has been frustrating for the 21 year old, who now faces an important decision about his future ahead of next season.
Speaking to Fruity King, Hendrick, a former international teammate of Ferguson, said a move to Celtic could reignite his form.
He suggested that Ferguson has the ability to score goals wherever he plays and that Celtic could provide a platform for him to do just that. However, Hendrick also warned that the striker must think carefully about his next step.
According to Hendrick, the past two years have been difficult for Ferguson, particularly after his explosive breakthrough. He cautioned against rushing into a decision based purely on emotion.
He acknowledged that Ferguson’s Irish background and connection to Celtic might naturally pull him towards Glasgow. Even so, Hendrick stressed the importance of choosing a club that suits him in every aspect, whether that be the manager, tactical system, league or overall environment.
Hendrick also addressed the ongoing injury concerns that have disrupted Ferguson’s momentum. He noted that the striker remains young, determined and eager to improve, but admitted that setbacks since his injury against West Ham and his spell in Italy have slowed his development.
Drawing a comparison, though not directly equating the two players, Hendrick pointed to the ankle problems that have troubled Harry Kane over several seasons. He explained that such injuries can recur and suggested Ferguson may have to learn how to manage that challenge throughout his career.
For now, Ferguson stands at a pivotal moment, with both his fitness and his next transfer likely to shape the direction of his future.