Brighton star Evan Ferguson told to 'move on' amid latest Celtic claim

Former Ireland and Manchester City defender Richard Dunne believes Evan Ferguson should leave Brighton this summer. Ferguson, 21, has struggled to make an impact under Fabian Hurzeler at Brighton and spent last season on loan at Roma. The Ireland international showed encouraging form in the Serie A and the Europa League with five goals and two assists in 22 outings before an ankle injury cut his season short. Ferguson underwent surgery and will hope to be fit and raring to go for the new campaign. Whether that is with Brighton or elsewhere is yet to be seen. Danny Welbeck, 35, remains Albion's main attacking option with Georginio, Stefanos Tzimas and Charalampos Kostoulas all pushing for minutes. Ferguson has played just 13 times in the Premier League under Hurzeler and a total of 237 top-flight minutes. Dunne, speaking exclusively to Sussex World via World Cup soccer news, said: "It looks that way yes, he has had a good experience on loan and has had a few injuries, so it’s definitely now best to look to move on from Brighton to further his career. "Ferguson has so much talent, he showed this in his early spell at Brighton, and now needs to be fully fit and then start off the new season with a new club where he can play regular football, which as a striker is so important to get game time, confidence and score goals. "So I hope for him, he can stay healthy and play in a team where he can play well as this will only benefit the Irish National team as well." Ferguson joined Brighton from Bohemian in 2021 and has made a total of 80 appearances with 17 goals and six assists. He is contracted with Albion until June 2029 but has previously been linked with the likes of Tottenham, Nottingham Forest, Juventus and Celtic. Ferguson is said to be a boyhood fan of Celtic and is frequently rumoured with a loan or permanent move to the Scottish champions. Dunne added: "For sure, I think Celtic would be a good fit indeed for him. "It’s not the Premier League, but the standard is still high and with the support of the huge fan base, he can get his scoring boots on and then look to gain the confidence back to when he burst onto the scene at Brighton. "He is technically very good, good strength and just needs a good run of games and the SPL can be the perfect League for him to shine and succeed."