It wasn’t so long ago that Brighton’s young striker Evan Ferguson was being talked about as the next big thing…
However, injuries have slowed up his progress, and the Republic of Ireland international has been made available for loan. It’s now being suggested that Celtic could take an interest, but what would that mean for Adam Idah? A recent big-money signing tipped for the top.
Idah, 23, signed for Celtic in the summer in a deal reported to be worth in the region of £9.5 million. Idah spent the second half of last season on loan at Celtic Park from Norwich City before the two clubs decided to make the move permanent in the summer. But while Idah has weighed in with seven goals in all competitions, he’s not a regular starter under Brendan Rodgers at present.
If Celtic make their interest in Ferguson official, a move would only be sanctioned by Brighton if their young star is guaranteed to be a regular starter, as that’s the reason they’re considering loaning him out. That would likely push Idah further down the pecking order, which wouldn’t be ideal when you consider how much money has been invested in bringing him north of the border.
Idah has an impressive goalscoring record at Celtic, with sixteen goals and two assists in thirty-five appearances at the time of writing. According to football betting odds online, Celtic are clear favourites to win the Scottish Premiership title, and Rodgers will be keen on doing what’s happening to strengthen their grip on the trophy. That could mean loaning in Ferguson, even if it’s at the detriment of Idah.
If Ferguson were to arrive, a twenty-year-old striker you’d imagine would have a raft of suitors, could it open the door for Idah to head out on loan for the second half of the campaign? With Idah not currently a regular pick for Rodgers, becoming potentially third-choice could be seen as a step too far in the wrong direction, especially when Celtic have high hopes for their £9.5 million man.
Idah, based on his time with Celtic and Norwich, is likely to attract interest from clubs in the Championship. He’s got the physical profile that makes him a good fit in English football’s second tier and has made over seventy appearances in the division. While he only managed to score eleven goals, it’s worth noting that he only made twenty-four starts, all with the Canaries.
Right now, it’s all hypothetical. But you’d imagine that Rodgers would be keen on bringing Ferguson to Celtic if it’s possible. The Republic of Ireland international has already proven himself capable of scoring at the very highest levels. Still, he desperately needs to be playing regularly to get back to his best, something that Celtic and Rodgers will be able to offer him.
