Evan Ferguson tops Napoli transfer list as Brighton weigh summer decision

Napoli have placed Evan Ferguson at the top of their striker shortlist ahead of the summer transfer window, with the Brighton forward now emerging as a serious option for the Serie A side.

The Republic of Ireland international has endured a difficult campaign after spending the season on loan at Roma, where regular minutes and consistency have been hard to find.

But despite that dip, Ferguson remains highly regarded in Italy.

According to Corriere del Mezzogiorno, Napoli sporting director Giovanni Manna has made the Brighton striker a priority target as the club prepares for major attacking changes.

For Ferguson, it could be the fresh start his career needs.

Napoli’s striker planning has accelerated amid growing uncertainty over their current forward line.

Romelu Lukaku’s future now appears increasingly unclear, with reports in Italy suggesting tensions have developed behind the scenes following disagreements over injury management.

That has forced Napoli into the market. And Ferguson is now reportedly the standout option.

The Brighton striker is described as being “above all” in Napoli’s internal thinking, with the club seeing him as a player they have admired for some time.

His physical presence, ability to link play and long-term upside remain attractive — even after a difficult year. That belief has not disappeared.

Ferguson’s situation at Brighton feels increasingly open. After being viewed as one of Europe’s brightest young forwards just two years ago, his value and momentum have dropped following injuries and inconsistent game time.

His loan spell at Roma was expected to rebuild confidence, but it has not fully delivered.

Roma are not expected to make the move permanent, meaning Ferguson will return to Brighton this summer. That puts the decision back in Brighton’s hands.

Do they reintegrate him, or allow another move?

Based on Brighton’s recent transfer model, they have rarely blocked players if the right structure benefits all sides.

A permanent transfer feels unlikely at this stage. Napoli are working under financial constraints and are reportedly focused on reducing spending rather than making major upfront investments. That makes a loan deal the more realistic path.

The Italian side used a similar structure with Rasmus Højlund this season — bringing him in on loan before planning a permanent move later.

A comparable model for Ferguson would make sense. For Brighton, it protects the player’s value while giving him a new environment to rebuild momentum.

For Napoli, it lowers immediate risk. However, much will depend on Brighton’s internal plans and the player’s own view on another temporary move.

Napoli are expected to continue exploring Ferguson’s availability as they reshape their attack this summer.

Brighton will assess their squad before making a final decision, but another loan remains a realistic possibility.

If Napoli move early, they may gain an advantage before other clubs enter the race. The structure of any deal will be crucial.