Brighton head coach Fabian Hürzeler has refused to rule out the possibility of recalling Evan Ferguson early from his season-long loan at Roma, following the devastating ACL injury suffered by striker Stefanos Tzimas. The Seagulls confirmed on Friday that Tzimas will miss the remainder of the campaign, leaving a significant void in Hürzeler’s attacking options — and raising the prospect of Ferguson returning to the Amex far sooner than expected.
Ferguson, who joined Roma in the summer on a season-long loan that includes a €40m (£34.7m) option to buy, had initially been sent out to secure regular minutes after failing to earn a consistent role under Hürzeler last season. His development stalled in Serie A, scoring only once in 15 league appearances under Gian Piero Gasperini and drawing public criticism from the Roma boss for his performances and mentality.
But Ferguson responded emphatically on Thursday night, scoring twice in Roma’s 3–0 Europa League win at Celtic Park — a performance that may have caught Brighton’s attention at precisely the right moment.
Hürzeler confirms Ferguson “might be an option”
Asked directly whether Brighton could cut short the 21-year-old’s loan, Hürzeler offered a surprisingly open response.
“Evan is a player for us, that is why he will always be an option. At the moment he is on loan, but we follow it. We are pleased with how he performed yesterday. So definitely he might be an option.” — Fabian Hürzeler
While still non-committal, the manager’s tone is notably different from earlier in the season, when Ferguson was seen as needing a full campaign of consistent football elsewhere. The Tzimas injury has reshaped the landscape entirely.
The Tzimas blow — and why Ferguson could fill the gap
Brighton confirmed on Friday that 19-year-old Tzimas, who had been viewed as a long-term successor in the No. 9 role, suffered an ACL injury and will miss the rest of the season.
“Stefanos Tzimas will miss the whole of the season. He has already started rehab and will have surgery soon. We are convinced he will be back in even better shape.”— Fabian Hürzeler
Tzimas’ absence leaves Brighton light in the striking department, making Ferguson’s situation increasingly relevant. The Irish international made 80 appearances for the Seagulls prior to his loan, scoring 17 goals in all competitions — including a breakout 2022/23 campaign where he netted 10 times and attracted interest from Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea.
Numbers That Tell the Story — Ferguson at Brighton
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Brighton Appearances | 80 |
| Goals Scored | 17 |
| Premier League Goals | 13 |
| Breakout Season (22/23) | 10 goals in 25 apps |
source: club data – 12 December 2025
His profile — physically strong, instinctive in the box, aggressive in pressing — remains a natural fit for Brighton’s style. And his recent brace suggests confidence could be returning at exactly the right moment.
Ferguson’s loan is shifting from development to necessity
In our view, the early return of Evan Ferguson conversation has transformed rapidly from hypothetical to tactical necessity. Although some may argue that recalling Ferguson could stall his long-term development, the nuance is that Brighton now lack a natural centre-forward capable of leading the line at Premier League intensity.
From my experience covering young strikers abroad, confidence and environment are everything. Ferguson has struggled in Rome under Gasperini’s demanding system, but his talent has never been in doubt. Returning to Brighton — where he knows the squad, the league, and the expectations — may actually accelerate his growth rather than hinder it.
A fair counterpoint: the option-to-buy clause at Roma complicates matters. But unless Roma commit €40m — which feels unlikely given his form — Brighton retain control.
This could be a turning point in Ferguson’s Brighton career
A mid-season return would hand Ferguson an opportunity to reset his trajectory and reclaim a role many expected him to dominate two years ago. Brighton’s current situation means he would not be competing for minutes — he would be needed immediately. For a striker seeking rhythm and leadership responsibility, that can be transformational.
Key Insights
- Ferguson’s loan at Roma could be cut short after Tzimas’ ACL injury.
- Hürzeler says Ferguson “might be an option” for Brighton in January.
- Roma boss Gasperini has criticised Ferguson’s progress this season.
- The Irish striker scored twice midweek, his best performance of the campaign.
- Ferguson has 17 goals in 80 Brighton appearances.
What’s Next
Brighton travel to Liverpool this weekend, but eyes will already be on January — and on whether Ferguson’s recall becomes an internal priority. If the Seagulls cannot secure a replacement in the market, the decision may already be made for them.
👉 Brighton fans — should Ferguson return now, or finish his loan in Rome?
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