Roma frustrated with Evan Ferguson as Brighton loan faces January end

Roma’s patience with Evan Ferguson appears to be wearing thin, with fresh reports from Italy suggesting frustration over both his performances and off-field decisions. The Brighton loanee is now increasingly likely to see his stint in the Italian capital cut short, with contact already ongoing between Roma and his parent club.

On Saturday, AS Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini again questioned Ferguson’s impact after the striker failed to impress from the bench against Juventus. It followed similar comments earlier this month and underlined a growing lack of trust.

Rather than starting Ferguson, Gasperini once more opted to deploy Paulo Dybala as a false nine — a solution he has turned to repeatedly in recent weeks. That tactical choice has largely been driven by Ferguson’s struggles in front of goal, with the 20-year-old managing just one Serie A strike during his loan spell.

From my experience following Serie A managers, this kind of positional workaround is rarely a good sign for a natural striker. When a coach consistently prefers a makeshift option, it usually reflects deeper doubts about reliability and readiness.

According to Corriere dello Sport, irritation inside Roma extends beyond what happens on the pitch. The report questions Ferguson’s hunger and mentality, claiming the club has noted issues with his conditioning, particularly after international breaks.

More damaging still is the allegation that the Brighton & Hove Albion loanee chose to represent Republic of Ireland despite nursing a foot injury. That decision has reportedly not gone down well with Gasperini or senior figures at Roma, who are now questioning his commitment to the club’s cause.

There is a counterpoint worth acknowledging. For a young player, turning down international duty can be psychologically difficult, particularly when national-team status is a source of confidence. However, in an environment as demanding as Roma’s, such decisions are often judged harshly.

Il Messaggero goes further, stating that Ferguson is now expected to return to Brighton in January. Roma have reportedly been in dialogue with the Premier League club for several weeks about terminating the loan early.

The intention is clear: Roma want to bring in a new striker during the winter window, a move that effectively signals the end of Ferguson’s time in Rome. Whether an agreement is finalised quickly remains to be seen, but the direction of travel is unmistakable.

This situation represents a delicate juncture in Ferguson’s career. Loan spells are designed to accelerate growth, but instead this one has exposed concerns around fitness management, adaptability, and trust. A return to Brighton could offer stability, yet it also risks reinforcing a narrative of stalled development if not handled carefully.

For Roma, cutting ties early would be a pragmatic decision rather than an emotional one. Gasperini’s system demands intensity and tactical discipline — qualities he currently feels Ferguson is not providing.

Has Roma been too harsh on a young striker — or is this the reality of elite-level expectations?