Celtic are reportedly poised to reignite their interest in Brighton & Hove Albion’s Evan Ferguson, setting the stage for a potential transfer hijack as the young striker faces a last-minute decision over a move to Roma. The Scottish Premiership champions are also closing in on a deal for Japanese forward Shin Yamada and remain in the race for Napoli’s Giuseppe Ambrosino, signaling an ambitious transfer window under Brendan Rodgers as they prepare for a challenging title defense.
Evan Ferguson: A Loan Target to Bolster Celtic’s Attack
Evan Ferguson, the 20-year-old Republic of Ireland international, has emerged as a prime target for Celtic as they look to bolster their attacking options. The Brighton striker endured a difficult 2024/25 season, scoring just one Premier League goal and struggling to make an impact during a loan spell at West Ham in the second half of the campaign. With his development stalling, a season-long loan move has been mooted to help Ferguson rediscover his form. According to reports from Football Insider, Celtic are ready to “renew their interest” in the young forward, who was once hailed as one of Europe’s brightest prospects after netting six goals in the 2022/23 Premier League season.
However, Celtic face competition from Serie A side Roma, who are prepared to cover Ferguson’s full €1.8 million (£1.5 million) annual salary for a loan switch, per Italian media. With the transfer window heating up, Ferguson’s decision could hinge on whether he prioritizes regular minutes in Scotland’s top flight—where Celtic’s attacking style and European football could suit his development—or a fresh challenge in Italy. Rodgers, who has a track record of nurturing young talent, sees Ferguson as a potential solution to Celtic’s striker crisis, especially with Daizen Maeda attracting interest from Tottenham, Nicolas Kuhn undergoing a medical at Como, and Jota sidelined by injury.
People think Evan Ferguson is a flop because he has been unable to stay fit.
— AI (@nonewthing) July 9, 2025
Lesser talented players have gone on to bang after shrugging off injury concerns.
This was an 18-year-old Ferguson lolpic.twitter.com/2XMqR1awGy
Shin Yamada: Japanese Star Nears Celtic Move
Celtic are also on the verge of securing a £1.5 million deal for Kawasaki Frontale’s Shin Yamada, according to reports in Japan. The 25-year-old forward, who is set to join the Hoops after completing his international duties with Japan at the E-1 Championship, has hinted at his openness to a European move to boost his chances of featuring at the 2026 World Cup. Speaking to Japanese media, Yamada said, “I want to show my difference in terms of goals and in the way I fight... I’m pushing forward a lot in preparation for the World Cup.” His versatility and work rate could make him a valuable addition to Celtic’s squad, providing depth and dynamism as they navigate a demanding season that includes Champions League football.
🆕 Shin Yamada 'moves closer' to £1.5m Celtic transfer as double striker swoop eyed up to give Rodgers what he wants 🔄https://t.co/KxsltUqbmK pic.twitter.com/U9M4SrYYE4
— Daily Record Sport (@Record_Sport) July 7, 2025
Giuseppe Ambrosino: Napoli’s U-Turn Complicates Pursuit
Celtic’s transfer ambitions also extend to Napoli’s Giuseppe Ambrosino, a 21-year-old striker who caught the eye during Italy’s U21 European Championship campaign, where he scored in a quarter-final defeat to Germany. The Hoops have been tracking Ambrosino, who also attracted interest from Serie A newcomers Cremonese. However, Gazzetta reports that Napoli manager Antonio Conte is now considering giving the young forward a chance in pre-season to prove himself, signaling a potential U-turn on a loan or permanent move. Conte’s desire to “show trust in the Napoli system” could complicate Celtic’s pursuit, forcing Rodgers to reassess his options if Ambrosino remains with the Scudetto winners.
⏱️ 90'+6 equaliser
— UEFA Men's Youth (@UEFAMensYouth) June 22, 2025
Ambrosino curls in a sensational free-kick with the last touch of second-half added time 🤯#U21LastMinute | @Hublot pic.twitter.com/8UdVH9LC74
A Crucial Window for Celtic
Celtic’s pursuit of Ferguson, Yamada, and Ambrosino comes at a critical juncture, with Rodgers facing a striker shortage following Kyogo Furuhashi’s move to Birmingham City and uncertainties surrounding Maeda and Kuhn. The potential loan signing of Ferguson, in particular, could be a game-changer, offering a high-potential striker capable of filling the void left by last season’s top scorer. Meanwhile, Yamada’s imminent arrival and the ongoing interest in Ambrosino reflect Celtic’s strategy of blending youth and experience to maintain their dominance in the Scottish Premiership and compete in Europe.As the transfer window progresses, Celtic’s ability to fend off competition from Roma for Ferguson and navigate Napoli’s hesitancy over Ambrosino will be key. With Yamada’s deal nearing completion, Rodgers is laying the foundations for a revitalized attack. The coming weeks will be pivotal as Celtic aim to finalize their targets and ensure they are well-equipped to defend their title and make an impact on the European stage.