Barry Ferguson says he ‘couldn’t believe’ Celtic didn’t sign Champions League star now worth £20m+

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Celtic’s recruitment has been through an interesting ride in recent years.

On the one hand, the trophies have been coming through like a knife through butter, but on the other, it wasn’t all plain sailing, as Brendan Rodgers’ return proved last season.

When Celtic lost to Hearts in November last season, there were chants of ‘sack the board’ from the home fans, with critics unhappy with the recruitment.

Chris Sutton defended then-transfer chief Mark Lawwell and the transfer business the club had concluded because some fans wanted ready-made players rather than project signings.

Fast forward to the present and the results speak for themselves, with Celtic flying high in the Premiership and all going strong in the Champions League. 

From Nicolas Kuhn to the summer departure Matt O’Riley, the Bhoys have brought in some gems, but Barry Ferguson feels they missed out on one rising star.

Barry Ferguson surprised Celtic didn’t sign his nephew Lewis Ferguson 

Even though Lewis Ferguson has a Rangers background, regarding his dad and uncle playing for the club, there were still suggestions of Celtic bringing him in.

Of course, you will get Ferguson Jr. being linked with Rangers, that’s just natural, but Barry was seemingly also pushing for a move to Parkhead.

The former Scotland international thinks he was worthy of playing for a team like Celtic, as he told Go Radio.

But now feels that Ferguson junior is worth £20 million+, as he thrives at Bologna, who reached the Champions League for the first time last season.

“They missed a trick, I said it,” insisted Ferguson. “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.

“You have seen what he has done. He has gone over to Bologna and he has just excelled as a footballer. He has got even better. 

“You are talking that you need to pay £20 million+ to get Lewis (now). And you know what, through hard work, so credit to him.”

Paulo Bernardo v Ferguson

It’s perhaps the strongest part of Celtic’s game, and in truth, even if Ferguson did sign for the club, he would be a bench player, at best.

Although a less combative player than the Bologna star, someone like Paulo Bernardo has only started seven matches in all competitions this season.

That’s the level of quality Rodgers has on the bench.

WhoScored have rated Bernardo’s performances at 7.10 in the Premiership this season, with Ferguson rated 6.94 in Serie A last season, before his long-term injury.