Roma ‘agree loan deal with Brighton for Evan Ferguson’
Roma have reportedly reached an agreement with Brighton to sign Evan Ferguson on loan, with an option to buy the Republic of Ireland international for £32.9million.
The 20-year-old striker burst on to the scene as a teenager under Graham Potter following his move from Irish outfit Bohemians in 2021.
However, has endured a troubled time with injury over the last few seasons, struggling to carve out a sustained period in the Brighton team.
He spent the second-half of last season on loan at West Ham, but failed to make an impact, failing to score in eight Premier League appearances for the Hammers.
Ferguson could not be set for another loan move away from Brighton, who have been in talks with Roma this week over a loan deal with an option to buy.
According to Sky Italia, the negotiations between the two clubs had been ongoing for some time, with a significant gap between Roma’s initial proposal of £26m (€30m) and Brighton’s asking price closer to £34.6m (€40m).
The final fee is now expected to settled at £32.9m (€38m) including add-ons.
Roma are now said to be focused on ironing out contractual details and agreeing personal terms with Ferguson, which are not expected to present major issues.
Ferguson burst onto the scene when he scored a hat-trick against Newcastle at the start of 2023-24 season aged just 18.
He was compared with a young Alan Shearer, the Premier League top scorer, at the time and an exciting future looked set in stone.
But his progress has stalled due to injuries – including a six-month lay-off with an ankle problem.
If Ferguson completes a move to Serie A, he will become the second striker to depart Brighton this summer after Joao Pedro, who has joined Chelsea for £60m.
Meanwhile, Seagulls left-back Pervis Estupinan is attracting interest from Manchester United and AC Milan.
At 27, Brighton will not stand in his way if he wants to leave for another challenge and bids close to £40m would tempt them.