Brighton & Hove Albion have agreed a loan deal with Roma for Evan Ferguson, with the 20-year-old striker heading to Serie A in search of regular football — but his manager insists a return to the Amex is still on the table.
Speaking to the Argus, Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler admitted that while Ferguson struggled last season, he still sees the Ireland international as a long-term asset.
“For us it is always important the individual players have an environment where they can develop,” Hurzeler said. “He is still a player of ours… I am sure when he gets more game time he will one day be back and be an important player for us.”
The deal with Roma is reported to be a season-long loan with a £37 million option to buy, not an obligation.
Why Evan Ferguson Struggled at Brighton
After breaking into Brighton’s senior setup with promise in 2022–23, Ferguson’s momentum stalled. An ankle injury lingered early last season, and when he returned, competition for minutes was intense.
With Joao Pedro, Danny Welbeck and £40m signing Georginio Rutter ahead in the pecking order, Ferguson managed just two Premier League starts and scored one goal in 13 league appearances.
A January loan to West Ham offered little relief. Ferguson made just one start in eight matches, as Graham Potter’s side slumped down the table.
“He didn’t lose his talent — he just lost rhythm and confidence,” said a Brighton insider. — The Argus
Ferguson’s 2024/25 Season at a Glance
| Stat (2024/25) | Brighton | West Ham (Loan) |
|---|---|---|
| Appearances | 13 | 8 |
| Starts | 2 | 1 |
| Goals | 1 | 0 |
| Minutes Played | 342 | 219 |
Analyst Verdict: A Make-or-Break Move?
At 20, Ferguson still has time and ceiling, but this Roma loan will be critical for reigniting his confidence and development. The structure of the deal — with an option but no obligation to buy — shows Brighton want to retain future control.
For Roma, it’s a low-risk move for a player once tipped as the next great Irish striker. For Ferguson, it may be the last chance — for now — to prove he belongs at top-flight level.
Key Takeaways
- Evan Ferguson joins Roma on loan with £37m option to buy
- Brighton boss Hurzeler believes Ferguson “will be back” long term
- The 20-year-old struggled with form and fitness in 2024/25
- One goal in 21 combined appearances for Brighton and West Ham
- Roma see him as a project with long-term upside
What’s Next for Ferguson?
Ferguson is expected to join Roma’s first-team pre-season setup this week. The club will give him a full opportunity to earn minutes early in the Serie A campaign.
Meanwhile, Brighton will track his development closely. Should he rediscover his sharpness, a return to the Amex in 2026 remains very much possible.
Will Evan Ferguson shine in Serie A — or has his chance at Brighton already passed him by?
1 Comment (last comment by Adem)
First read message
By Adem 21 Jul 2025 10:06
No he won't if he stays fits and gets back to his form!
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