Celtic Keeping Close Tabs Smart Irish Fullback as Tierney Understudy

Celtic are keeping close tabs on a smart Irish fullback, with the player being floated as a Tierney understudy to bolster the left‑back options after recent departures. The club’s scouting department has intensified monitoring, signalling a serious intent to add depth ahead of the new season.

This Irish Fullback Smart Addition has been under observation for weeks, with scouts weighing his suitability against the left‑back vacancy left by Marcelo Saracchi. The vacancy arose after the club failed to extend Marcelo Saracchi’s stay at Celtic Park.

According to a recent update from Courier Sport, Celtic are assessing several names in their hunt for a new left‑back and have scouted Will Ferry extensively over the past few months. Despite the thorough observation, the club has not yet made an official approach for the Dundee United star.

Will Ferry was born in England but represents the Republic of Ireland at international level. He progressed through the academy ranks of his hometown club Bury before moving to Southampton, where he continued his development.

At Southampton he became a regular for the Saints’ reserves, then spent a loan spell at Crawley Town in League Two. After the loan, he secured a permanent move to League One side Cheltenham Town, gaining valuable first‑team experience.

Dundee United snapped him up on a Bosman deal in the summer of 2024. The 25‑year‑old defender has featured week in, week out, amassing 85 appearances across competitions, scoring four goals and providing fourteen assists.

Ferry rejected a move to Czechia even after The Tangerines accepted a £1.7 million bid earlier this month. Celtic are also closing in on Philadelphia Union’s Philippe Ndinga, suggesting the Irishman’s likely exit in the coming days amid interest from MLS and English Championship clubs.

Celtic need a new left full‑back after failing to extend Marcelo Saracchi’s stay at Celtic Park. James Penrice, currently in Greece with AEK Athens, has emerged as a summer target, but Ferry could be a more suitable alternative at a minuscule fee, with his contract at Tannadice Park set to expire in June 2027. United must aim for a profit rather than lose him for nothing next year.

Kieran Tierney rejoined his boyhood club last summer from Arsenal and remains the preferred option for the left‑back spot. Manager Martin O’Neill would require a quality understudy capable of deputising for the Scotland international amid a congested schedule, and Ferry’s explosive runs, cut‑ins and crosses tick the boxes of a modern full‑back.

Be mindful that his contract runs until June 2027, meaning Celtic could secure a long‑term solution while Dundee United look to cash in. The contrast between Celtic’s urgent need for depth and Ferry’s proven consistency in Scotland suggests a deal could materialise before the summer window closes.