Barry Ferguson Believes Celtic Missed Out on £20m+ Star Lewis Ferguson
Former Scotland international Barry Ferguson has expressed his surprise that Celtic didn’t sign his nephew, Lewis Ferguson, who is now valued at over £20 million. Lewis Ferguson, who has a Rangers background due to his father and uncle playing for the club, has thrived at Bologna, helping the team reach the Champions League for the first time last season.
Ferguson senior thinks Celtic missed an opportunity to sign a talented player, stating, “They missed a trick, I said it. I said it, both Rangers and Celtic. I couldn’t believe, I was going to say gamble, it’s not even a gamble. I knew he could play at that level.”
Lewis Ferguson’s impressive performance at Bologna has made him a sought-after player, with his value skyrocketing. His uncle believes that Celtic and Rangers should have taken advantage of the opportunity to sign him earlier.
Celtic’s Recruitment Under Scrutiny
Celtic’s recruitment strategy has been under scrutiny in recent years. Despite winning trophies, fans have been critical of the club’s transfer dealings. Former transfer chief Mark Lawwell faced criticism for not signing ready-made players, instead opting for project signings.
However, the current season has shown that Celtic’s recruitment has been successful, with players like Nicolas Kuhn and Matt O’Riley making significant contributions. Chris Sutton defended Lawwell’s transfer business, citing the success of some of the signings.
Lewis Ferguson’s Rise to Prominence
Lewis Ferguson has proven himself to be an exceptional player, and his value has increased significantly since joining Bologna. His uncle, Barry Ferguson, always believed in his abilities and thought he was worthy of playing for a top-tier team like Celtic.
Ferguson’s performance at Bologna has earned him recognition, and he is now considered a key player for the Italian club. His stats from last season’s Serie A campaign are impressive, with a rating of 6.94.
Comparison with Paulo Bernardo
While Lewis Ferguson would have been a valuable addition to Celtic, it’s worth noting that the club already has talented players in his position. Paulo Bernardo, for instance, has been impressive, starting seven matches in all competitions this season.
Bernardo’s ratings have been higher than Ferguson’s, with a 7.10 rating in the Premiership. This highlights the level of quality Celtic has in its squad, making it uncertain whether Ferguson would have been a regular starter.
Celtic’s Squad Depth
Celtic’s current squad is filled with talented players, and manager Brendan Rodgers has built a strong team. The club’s success in the Premiership and Champions League is a testament to the quality of the players.
While Lewis Ferguson would have been a valuable addition, Celtic’s squad depth and quality make it uncertain whether he would have been a regular starter. Barry Ferguson’s comments highlight the “what ifs” in football, but Celtic fans can take comfort in knowing their team is performing well.
Conclusion
Barry Ferguson’s comments about Celtic missing out on Lewis Ferguson highlight the complexities of football recruitment. While Ferguson would have been a valuable addition, Celtic’s current squad is filled with talented players.
The club’s success this season demonstrates the quality of the players, and fans can look forward to an exciting season. Lewis Ferguson’s rise to prominence serves as a reminder of the importance of scouting and recruiting talented players, but Celtic’s current squad is more than capable of achieving success.