AS Roma have reignited their pursuit of Brighton & Hove Albion’s young striker Evan Ferguson, targeting a loan deal with an obligation to buy, according to Sky Sports.
The Serie A club, under the guidance of new manager Gian Piero Gasperini, is eager to bolster their attacking options with the 20-year-old Republic of Ireland international, who has struggled to regain his early promise following a challenging loan spell at West Ham United.
Long-term target
Roma’s interest in Ferguson is not new. Two years ago, during Jose Mourinho’s tenure, the Giallorossi identified the then-teenage sensation as a potential recruit. At the time, Ferguson was coming off a breakout 2022-23 Premier League season, where he scored six goals and provided two assists in just 19 appearances for Brighton, earning a reputation as one of Europe’s most exciting young forwards. However, Brighton, buoyed by their young star’s potential and a long-term contract until 2029, were unwilling to let him go. Fast forward to 2025, and the landscape has shifted, with Roma now sensing an opportunity to secure Ferguson at a potentially reduced cost.
Ferguson’s stock has taken a hit in recent seasons. After a promising debut campaign, injuries and inconsistent form saw him struggle for game time at Brighton under manager Fabian Hurzeler. A mid-season loan to West Ham in the 2024-25 season, where he reunited with former Brighton boss Graham Potter, failed to reignite his spark. Ferguson made just eight Premier League appearances for the Hammers, starting only once and failing to score, a stark contrast to the £100 million valuation once placed on him by Brighton. His solitary goal last season came in a 2-2 draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers for Brighton in October 2024.
Roma have Brighton’s Evan Ferguson on their summer target list, according to Sky in Italy ✍️🔴
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) July 7, 2025
The Ireland striker, who spent the second half of last season on loan at West Ham, is viewed as a key attacking option 🔑 pic.twitter.com/2DkpaUq4j6
Ferguson viewed as market opportunity
Despite his recent struggles, Roma see Ferguson as a low-risk, high-reward option. The proposed loan deal, which includes an obligation to buy, would allow the Italian club to assess Ferguson’s fit within Gasperini’s tactical system while minimizing financial risk. Roma’s interest comes as they look to fill the void left by Tammy Abraham, who joined Besiktas on a season-long loan with a conditional permanent transfer clause. Ferguson’s physicality, aerial presence, and goal-scoring instincts—attributes that shone during his breakout season—could complement Roma’s existing forward Artem Dovbyk, providing tactical flexibility and depth.
For Ferguson, a move to Serie A could offer a fresh start. The Italian league’s tactical emphasis, often less physically intense than the Premier League, may provide the ideal environment for him to rediscover his form and confidence. Playing under Gasperini, known for his attacking philosophy and ability to develop young talent, could help Ferguson unlock the potential that once saw him tipped as a future star. A successful loan stint could also pave the way for a permanent move, potentially revitalizing his career and proving his recent struggles were merely a temporary setback.
