Evan Ferguson set for surprise transfer? Brighton open to deal amid Roma interest but young striker still to give green light

According to Calcio Mercato, Roma have made progress in talks to bring the 20-year-old striker to Serie A on loan. Brighton are reportedly open to letting the Irishman leave, but are yet to receive approval from the striker himself. The Italian club has reportedly started initial contacts with the English club and is keen to get Ferguson on board.

Once dubbed “the next Harry Kane,” Ferguson was flying high at Brighton. The young Irish striker, at one point, was even valued at a staggering £100 million after a breakout season with the club in 2023.

But fast forward to 2025, and Ferguson no longer appears to be in Brighton’s plans for next season. Injuries and a disappointing loan spell at West Ham, where he made only eight appearances, have cast serious doubt over his future on the south coast.

At Roma, new manager Gian Piero Gasperini is looking to add more firepower in front, and the Italian front office feels Ferguson could fill a crucial backup role. Chelsea and Everton have also been linked with the striker, but Roma now appear to be the frontrunners.

Evan Ferguson became one of just four players to score a Premier League hat-trick at the age of 18 and netted 10 goals in 25 appearances during the 2022-23 season. Only Michael Owen (28), Wayne Rooney (15), and Francis Jeffers (12) scored more Premier League goals before their 19th birthday than the Irishman.

With Joao Pedro departing and Evan Ferguson expected to head out on another loan, Brighton will now actively look for fresh attacking options. One name that has recently emerged is Rodolfo Aloko, an 18-year-old attacking midfielder currently playing for Croatian side NK Kustosija. According to the Daily Mail, Aloko is valued at around £4.75 million, and Brighton are keeping a close eye on his progress.