AS Roma have finalised a season-long loan agreement for Brighton & Hove Albion's young striker Evan Ferguson, with a £32.9 million option to buy included in the deal. The move comes after Ferguson's disappointing stint at West Ham United, where he struggled to make an impact.
Ferguson's Fresh Start in Serie A
The 19-year-old Irish forward, once hailed as one of the Premier League's most promising talents, will be looking to reignite his career in Italy's top flight. Roma's sporting director Tiago Pinto has reportedly been tracking Ferguson's progress for several months.
Details of the Deal
The agreement between Roma and Brighton includes:
- A one-year loan with no obligation to buy
- A £32.9 million purchase option
- Roma covering 100% of Ferguson's wages
- No loan fee payable to Brighton
This structured deal allows Roma to assess Ferguson's adaptation to Serie A before committing to a permanent transfer.
West Ham Disappointment
Ferguson's loan spell at West Ham last season yielded just 2 goals in 14 appearances, falling short of expectations. The Hammers opted against exercising their £25 million buy option, prompting Brighton to seek alternative arrangements for their academy product.
What This Means for Roma
Roma manager José Mourinho sees Ferguson as potential competition for Tammy Abraham and Andrea Belotti. The Portuguese tactician believes the physicality of Serie A might better suit Ferguson's playing style compared to the Premier League.
Brighton retain high hopes for their young striker, with technical director David Weir stating: "This move provides Evan with valuable experience at a top European club while protecting our long-term interests in the player."
