Brighton & Hove Albion, a Premier League side, is reportedly open to letting go of their highly talented striker, Evan Ferguson, on a loan deal in January. According to reports from The Telegraph, Ferguson has struggled to break into the starting lineup this season, managing only 105 minutes of Premier League action so far. The 20-year-old Irishman is desperate for regular first-team football and is not featuring in Fabian Hurzler’s plans.
The reason for Ferguson’s lack of playing time is due to his struggling to get past the likes of Danny Welbeck, Georginio Rutter, and Joao Pedro, who are all ahead of him in the pecking order. With Brighton performing well and the aforementioned trio impressing up front, Ferguson has become only a bit-part player.
The news comes as a major blow to Ferguson’s aspirations, as he had previously been regarded as one of the finest young strikers in Europe. Manchester United were among the biggest clubs reportedly interested in his signature when he joined Brighton in 2021 from Bohemians.
Despite his struggles, Ferguson has still managed to score 17 goals and provide five assists in 74 appearances for the Seagulls. He had signed a six-year deal at the Amex Stadium last year and is reportedly valued at £60 million. With his stock having fallen significantly in recent months due to an ankle injury he suffered earlier this year, Ferguson is understood to be keen on staying in the Premier League rather than moving down to the Championship.
Leicester City, Fulham, West Ham, and Newcastle United are reportedly keen on securing Ferguson’s services, and the player is expected to draw significant interest from interested clubs. The Premier League clubs, however, will need to be prepared to meet Brighton’s valuation of the player, who is still highly regarded despite his lack of playing time this season.
In other news, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has sent a message of goodwill to Manchester United’s newly appointed head coach Ruben Amorim. Arteta, speaking ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League fixture against Amorim’s former club Sporting CP, wished the 39-year-old well in his new role, saying: “Amorim is an excellent coach, with a special career, who achieved something historic at Sporting, especially in terms of form.”
The appointment of Amorim, who has previously managed Casa Pia, Braga B, Braga, and Sporting CP, has generated significant interest in the football world, and his challenge at Manchester United is expected to be one of the most high-profile roles in club football.
