AS Roma Negotiates Loan for Evan Ferguson
AS Roma is currently negotiating to secure a loan deal for Evan Ferguson, the forward from Brighton, in a bid to bolster their attacking options. The 20-year-old, who represents the Republic of Ireland, spent the latter part of the previous season on loan at West Ham United. Although discussions are ongoing, no formal agreement has yet been established; Roma remains optimistic about bringing Ferguson on board.
Ferguson’s Recent Performance and Challenges
Once touted with a valuation around £100 million by Brighton, Ferguson faced challenges last season, having only logged three starts in the Premier League, all occurring during his loan stint with West Ham. His only goal of the season came during a match against Wolverhampton Wanderers in October, after which he found himself sidelined on the depth chart.
Roma’s Need for a Striker
The need for a new striker at Roma has arisen following Tammy Abraham’s temporary move to Besiktas. This arrangement could potentially become a permanent signing next summer depending on specific conditions, prompting Roma to consider a loan option for Ferguson, aiming to rekindle his career at a prestigious club abroad.
Previous Loan and Future Prospects
Ferguson’s previous loan to West Ham was viewed as a strategic choice, enabling a reunion with Graham Potter, his initial coach at Brighton. However, the transfer did not yield the anticipated success, with the young forward making eight appearances without finding the net, only starting once during that period.
Ferguson had shown significant promise in the 2022-23 season, scoring six goals and providing two assists in just 19 league appearances. However, injuries and a lack of consistent game time have hindered his progress, reflected in his record of just two goals in his last 39 outings for Brighton, with no consecutive starts since December 2023.
Brighton’s Competitive Forward Line
Despite Joao Pedro’s exit to Chelsea, competition for forward positions at Brighton remains fierce due to new signings, including Greek attackers Stefanos Tzimas and Charalampos Kostoulas. Ferguson had signed a six-year deal with Brighton in 2023, and while the club has not abandoned hope for his resurgence, the upcoming loan may be pivotal in regaining confidence and value in a player once seen as a future star worth £90 million.
