Brighton and Hove Albion are reportedly growing frustrated with Evan Ferguson’s lack of minutes at AS Roma — and could cut short his loan spell in January.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the Premier League club are “perplexed” by how their young forward has been handled in Italy, with Ferguson finding himself on the fringes of Gian Piero Gasperini’s squad. Roma had signed the 20-year-old on loan to lead their attack this season, but he’s been used only sporadically despite strong early expectations.
So far, Ferguson has played nine games in all competitions, scoring no goals and registering just one assist in 413 minutes. The Irishman’s struggles have reportedly left both clubs dissatisfied — Roma are said to be considering ending the loan early, while Brighton are open to bringing him back for the second half of the campaign.
Brighton unhappy with Roma’s handling of Ferguson
“Brighton are perplexed by Ferguson’s spell at Roma. They expected him to play regularly, but he’s been used infrequently and has fallen into a deep crisis.” — Gazzetta dello Sport
Roma manager Gasperini has already shown signs of losing patience with both Ferguson and Artem Dovbyk, whom he reportedly grouped together as “lost strikers who are no longer scoring.” After Roma’s Europa League draw with Viktoria Plzen, Italian media suggested the coach’s post-match comments hinted at big changes in attack.
The Serie A side are expected to offload Dovbyk in January, and Ferguson could follow if the situation doesn’t improve quickly. For Brighton, that could present an unexpected boost — a mid-season reinforcement for a squad competing in multiple competitions.
Ferguson’s form in numbers
| Stat (2025/26) | Evan Ferguson |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 9 |
| Goals | 0 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Minutes Played | 413 |
| xG per game | 0.53 |
| Shots per game | 1.3 |
source: Sofascore – 25 October 2025
Those figures highlight Ferguson’s limited involvement — not enough time to find rhythm or confidence. For a striker known for instinctive finishing and clever movement, extended bench spells risk stalling the development Brighton have worked so hard to nurture.
Our View: A January recall makes perfect sense
In our view, a January recall could benefit everyone. Ferguson’s growth depends on playing regularly, and Brighton’s need for extra forward depth makes this an easy decision. Fabian Hürzeler’s system could reignite his form, especially with the Seagulls juggling a busy winter schedule.
Roma’s style under Gasperini — direct and chaotic — hasn’t suited Ferguson’s link-up instincts. Back at Brighton, surrounded by creative players like Kaoru Mitoma, he’d likely rediscover the sharpness that made him one of Europe’s most promising young strikers.
We believe a January return is now the most probable outcome. Fabian Hürzeler’s attacking patterns demand intelligent movement — something Ferguson already mastered in England. Expect Brighton to monitor his situation closely over the next month before triggering a mid-season recall.
Key Insights
- Brighton are “perplexed” by Evan Ferguson’s lack of playing time at Roma.
- Roma boss Gasperini has reportedly lost patience with both Ferguson and Dovbyk.
- Ferguson has 0 goals and 1 assist in 413 minutes so far this season.
- Roma may end the loan early, with Brighton open to recalling him in January.
- A return could bolster Brighton’s attacking depth for the second half of the season.
What’s Next for Ferguson and Brighton
Roma face a crucial run of fixtures before the winter break, giving Ferguson limited time to convince Gasperini he deserves a bigger role. If his situation doesn’t improve, Brighton are expected to initiate discussions over a recall in December.
For the Seagulls, his return could feel like a new signing — a powerful, motivated striker with unfinished business in the Premier League.
👉 Should Brighton bring Evan Ferguson back in January, or give him more time to fight for his place at Roma?
1 Comment (last comment by JamesLove)
First read message
By JamesLove 25 Oct 2025 12:32
After his injury everything this guy was going to be is gone. Such a shame, he was really going to be the next big thing
Leave a comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *