Ferguson has struggled to find his feet at the Stadio Olimpico, scoring just three times in 15 appearances
11:19, 21 Dec 2025Updated 20:02, 21 Dec 2025
Evan Ferguson(Image: Getty Images)
Celtic could get the chance to land reported target Evan Ferguson next month after Roma boss Gian Piero Gasperini admitted he is yet to be ‘convinced’ by the Republic of Ireland international.
Ferguson was linked with the Hoops last summer before sealing a loan move to Serie A from Brighton. The 21-year-old has struggled for form in the Italian capital, scoring just three times in 15 matches – although two of those did come against Celtic in a 3-0 hammering in the Europa League.
Sources in Italy have suggested that the forward’s loan could be cut short in the January window and Gasperini’s comments after their 2-1 defeat to Juventus on Saturday – in which Ferguson played the last 35 minutes from the bench – have added some substance to those claims. He said: “Ferguson isn’t convincing me.
“Even in the second half, for a long time. He hasn’t quite got into the swing of things yet, along with others. But we have a very solid team. Dybala and Soule were served very well and have superior technical quality. I would make the same decisions again.
“Whoever started the game is who I think is doing best. It’s clear that Roma is currently trying to improve and strengthen themselves in that area of the pitch.”
However, the Rome giant’s sporting director Frederic Massarsa insists the youngster won’t be going anywhere in January. The Giallorossi have the option to sign hi outright next summer for around €40million (£35million).
Ahead of the clash with Juve, he stated: “We believe in him.”
Evan Ferguson celebrates after scoring to make it 2-0 against Celtic
“He arrived in Italy just four months ago, he is a 2004-born player and he needs time to adapt.
“He is giving important signals; he is a strong player who is still growing.”
Legendary Italian manager and the last man to lead Roma to the Scudetto Fabio Capello has also questioned Gasperini’s decision to leave Ferguson out of the starting line-up on Saturday. He said: “Against Como, Ferguson had a very good match.
“I don’t understand why he wasn’t used from the start this time.”
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