Evan Ferguson F Brighton b.2004

[Demesne Lad]

The injury to West Ham forward Fullkrug, and the arrival of Graham Potter as manager, has given rise to links with Evan Ferguson. But no deal for Ferguson has been agreed yet. According to French sports newspaper L'Equipe, the Hammers are interested in a deal to sign Nice forward Evann Guessand and are already ‘in talks’ with the player’s representatives. As Nice are said to be seeking £25million, that deal could be difficult to conclude in this window.

West Ham 'identify' 6ft2" Ferguson alternative as £25m price named (https://www.londonworld.com/sport/football/west-ham/west-ham-identify-ferguson-alternative-4962316)

[Razors left peg]

Ferguson and De Zerbi didnt seem to be on great terms so Im not sure Id be rushing to go back to him if I was Ferguson. He should have some good options, but wherever he ends up he needs to be playing 90 mins every week. His fitness always seems to be an issue, looks knackered in 2nd half of games usually.

[Eirambler]

Probably something that isn't necessarily connected to anything of interest, but Ferguson's girlfriend is currently in Madrid. I did see he was linked to a Spanish club today, but not a Madrid based one (Betis).

[CraftyToePoke]

Probably something that isn't necessarily connected to anything of interest, but Ferguson's girlfriend is currently in Madrid. I did see he was linked to a Spanish club today, but not a Madrid based one (Betis).

You're following his missus on the Gram is it ?

[Eirambler]

I don't follow her on there personally, but that's where she's posted about being in Spain alright.

[John83]

He has that information one-handed, Crafty.

EDIT: I mean second hand. (Sorry, Eirambler!)

[tetsujin1979]

Now linked with a move to Bayer Leverkusen, as a replacement for Victor Boniface who is going to Saudi Arabia.

[Razors left peg]

Now linked with a move to Bayer Leverkusen, as a replacement for Victor Boniface who is going to Saudi Arabia.

That would be a fantastic move

[Eirambler]

Interesting report that Brighton are now willing to sell him. Is it a case of only for an exceptional offer, or have they taken a view that he's not going to be the player they once thought he would be due to injury issues, attitude or manager preference?

[seanfhear]

Interesting report that Brighton are now willing to sell him. Is it a case of only for an exceptional offer, or have they taken a view that he's not going to be the player they once thought he would be due to injury issues, attitude or manager preference?
Remarkable change in about a year ~ You'd have to wonder, what can change that much in a year ? !

[Razors left peg]

Interesting report that Brighton are now willing to sell him. Is it a case of only for an exceptional offer, or have they taken a view that he's not going to be the player they once thought he would be due to injury issues, attitude or manager preference?

Could it also be a case of PSR needs for them?

[EalingGreen]

Could it also be a case of PSR needs for them?No. See post #998.

But more generally, BHA know that they're always going to have to sell their best players, so that the profits on their transfers allow them to compete with bigger, wealthier clubs.

So that if they should let EF go now, it would suggest they think it's better to take a decent fee (profit) for him now, than wait another couple of years for a really big fee.

Which latter would suggest they're no longer so confident as they once were about him fulfilling his (obvious) potential?

Must say, this outsider would be hugely surprised if that were the case.

[elatedscum]

I think if the fee is right... Say for example someone offers £50m + a 20% profit sell-on clause - I think if you're Brighton you're taking that deal

[Razors left peg]

I think if the fee is right... Say for example someone offers £50m + a 20% profit sell-on clause - I think if you're Brighton you're taking that deal

That wouldn't be an unreasonable fee for a 20 year old striker. United are looking at a left back from Lecce and the fee is around $40 Million so $50 million for Ferguson still sounds like a good deal all round

[Olé Olé]

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/jan/28/bayer-leverkusen-join-host-of-premier-league-clubs-in-race-for-evan-ferguson?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other

What's the preference?

West Ham under Potter could work. Little competition for starts. Everton are probably desperate for a striker.

Leverkusen could be interesting. More competition for games but less competitive league. Could catch fire.

Bournemouth under that coach is intriguing.

Those four would all be fine by me. The Spurs option I'm not fussed in. Solanke will be back and manager likely to change.

[tetsujin1979]

Leverkusen could mean champions League football too.

[rebelmusic]

West Ham for me for me. I think Potter would be really good for him.

Although going abroad might focus him a bit more..less distractions :)

[~YTM~]

West Ham for me for me. I think Potter would be really good for him.

Although going abroad might focus him a bit more..less distractions :)

West Ham for definite. We want Ferguson starting games and West Ham have an injury crisis up front. Patrik Schick has been smashing it while Boniface has been out injured so Ferguson won't be starting.

[The Fly]

That’s an easy one for me - Leverkusen.

[Razors left peg]

Leverkusen by a mile for me too. Getting to work with one of best young coaches in world football would be great for him

[Olé Olé]

West Ham for definite. We want Ferguson starting games and West Ham have an injury crisis up front. Patrik Schick has been smashing it while Boniface has been out injured so Ferguson won't be starting.

This is why I'm not all over Leverkusen. Would be a great move if they didn't play with one striker that is scoring for fun.

West Ham under Potter and Everton under Moyes - both good managers badly needing a 9 - seem safer to me.

[Stuttgart88]

Seems to actually be available for sale now:

Brighton would be willing to sell striker Evan Ferguson if they receive the right offer before the transfer window closes.

Ferguson is currently sidelined with an ankle injury but has not been a significant part of Fabian Hurzeler’s squad even when he has been fit.

The Republic of Ireland international has made 12 Premier League appearances this term but 10 of those have come off the substitutes’ bench.

His single goal came in the home draw with Wolves on 26 October. That was his only strike since November 2023 as the form that shot him to prominence in the 2022-23 campaign and saw him nominated for the PFA Young Player of the Year award deserted him.

It has been known Brighton were looking at loan options for Ferguson. However, sources with an understanding of the situation have said a sale would be considered and one offer, said to be from within the Premier League, has already been turned down.

Numerous English clubs, including Arsenal and West Ham, are looking for a central striker, while German outfit Bayer Leverkusen have also been mentioned in connection with the 20-year-old.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/cy9lnw0eyy7t

[Jolly Red Giant]

Seems to actually be available for sale now:


Brighton would be willing to sell striker Evan Ferguson if they receive the right offer before the transfer window closes.


Ferguson is currently sidelined with an ankle injury but has not been a significant part of Fabian Hurzeler’s squad even when he has been fit.


The Republic of Ireland international has made 12 Premier League appearances this term but 10 of those have come off the substitutes’ bench.


His single goal came in the home draw with Wolves on 26 October. That was his only strike since November 2023 as the form that shot him to prominence in the 2022-23 campaign and saw him nominated for the PFA Young Player of the Year award deserted him.


It has been known Brighton were looking at loan options for Ferguson. However, sources with an understanding of the situation have said a sale would be considered and one offer, said to be from within the Premier League, has already been turned down.


Numerous English clubs, including Arsenal and West Ham, are looking for a central striker, while German outfit Bayer Leverkusen have also been mentioned in connection with the 20-year-old.


https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/cy9lnw0eyy7t


This could well be a decision between Ferguson and Hurzeler - Ferguson is a goalpoacher, not the type of 9 that Hurzeler utilises. The sytem used by Hyrzeler uses very few through passes to the striker - something that Ferguson thrives on. The striker spends a lot of time out on the wing - pulling defenders out of position to try and open up a compact defence that Hurzeler has his team trying to play through.


The problem is that while Hurzeler started well - it is clear that opposition coaches have figured out how to play against his team. After getting 6 wins in the first 12 games, they have only won twice in the following eleven games. Their form is bottom five at the moment. Brighton have done well over the years since Hughton got them into the PL - Hughton, Potter, De Zebri all did well - time will tell if Hurzeler is up to the job. Selling Ferguson would be a sign that they are committing to Hurzeler. Saying that - they will expect big money for him - Ferguson still has the potential to be one of the top strikers in the PL and some crazy money is still being tossed around for players not nearly as talented.


It is clear that Ferguson's talent is recognised - he would not have the likes of Leverkusen after him if they didn't think he was a top player. Personally - I think he would thrive at Arsenal - they create lots of chances that they don't convert and he is the type of striker that will score goals if the chances are available.

[Stuttgart88]

I agree wrt Arsenal.

[Exgrad]

west Ham maybe in pole position now:

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/jan/30/west-ham-evan-ferguson-brighton-ricardo-pepi-bid-psv-transfer-latest

loan with option to buy somewhere around 40m.

[zero]

it does feel at the moment that the worst outcome would be him not getting a move anywhere, so we'll see how this pans out.

[Eirambler]

No less than four journos covering their own EPL clubs pick out Ferguson as a target in this article (though you'd have to say wishful thinking in at least one case). The chances of him still being at Brighton this time next week seem slim at this point.

https://archive.ph/M7Je1

[Stuttgart88]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/c4g3zv9r95pt

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler on Evan Ferguson's performance in the Premier League: "I think it's difficult if you always have small issues, you can't get in the rhythm and I think that's the main thing. We need to get Evan being stable on the pitch, being consistent on the pitch. We try to help him to get in the right shape and be resilient. He shows in every session that he has an unbelievable skill."

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler on Evan Ferguson: "I'm happy he is in our squad, I want to keep working with him. Like I said, it's always important to discuss with him the importance of the development of the player.
"That's the main thing of the club. We want to improve the development of the players, we want to help him, therefore we need an exchange, then we see what makes sense for the player in the next six months, we will make a decision together, it's not an individual decision.
"I felt in the conversations that I have had with Evan that he only wants to play, that is the main thing. No matter if it is here or at another club."

More on Evan Ferguson: "My job is to focus on the work with the players outside on the pitch, that's what we do. We trained very well yesterday, he trained well yesterday. The other things we can't influence. He knows my thoughts, the thoughts of the club, we know the thoughts from Evan. That's the important thing."

There’s something amiss here I feel.

[SkStu]

I think he is sulking a bit and not feeling that he got the elevated treatment that his form at the time before his injury entitled him to. From what is known (v. speculated), it definitely seems best for him to move on to a new challenge and cut ties with Brighton completely. There is some bitterness there and he clearly wants out. That's giving Ev the benefit of the doubt though. The "worst case" interpretation of some of those comments, and what they could be pointing to, would leave you a bit worried.

Looks like West Ham are in pole position anyway. They might be getting themselves a bargain.

[Olé Olé]

No less than four journos covering their own EPL clubs pick out Ferguson as a target in this article (though you'd have to say wishful thinking in at least one case). The chances of him still being at Brighton this time next week seem slim at this point.

https://archive.ph/M7Je1

5 really if you count Ipswich - Southampton, Ipswich, Everton, West Ham and Arsenal.

[Razors left peg]

I think he is sulking a bit and not feeling that he got the elevated treatment that his form at the time before his injury entitled him to. From what is known (v. speculated), it definitely seems best for him to move on to a new challenge and cut ties with Brighton completely. There is some bitterness there and he clearly wants out. That's giving Ev the benefit of the doubt though. The "worst case" interpretation of some of those comments, and what they could be pointing to, would leave you a bit worried.

Looks like West Ham are in pole position anyway. They might be getting themselves a bargain.

I think there might be something a bit similar to what I suggested on the Idah thread, even when he was at the best of his form he was never guaranteed to play and maybe that can p1ss a player off, Brighton seem to have more strikers than any other club in the Premiership. That would be taking the optimistic view, but there have been the odd rumor that hes fond of a pint too so I hope its not that. Whatever the issues are you'd hope a change of scenery would be helpful,

He would absolutely be worth looking at from any clubs point of view, if they can get the Ferguson of a year ago then you have a 20 year old who can be one of the best strikers in football

[tetsujin1979]

Al-Nassr have had a £50m bid for Mitoma rejected by Brighton, and according to Sky Sports, they're going to return with a £90m bid. If that does go through, I can't see them selling Ferguson

[Razors left peg]

Al-Nassr have had a £50m bid for Mitoma rejected by Brighton, and according to Sky Sports, they're going to return with a £90m bid. If that does go through, I can't see them selling Ferguson

Jesus if you were Brighton you'd be wetting yourself over getting that kind of money for Mitoma. Hes good, but so inconsistent.

If Ferguson was going to West Ham or Everton I'd hope it would only be a loan. Firmly believe that with a good 2nd half of the season he'd have everyone sit up and take notice again. If Arsenal are sniffing around him they can only do a Permanent move so they might well look at him as a undervalued target right now.

[The Fly]

There’s something amiss here I feel.
It certainly feels that way, and has done for some time now (even with the injury issues).

I wonder what's happened?

[elatedscum]

Jesus if you were Brighton you'd be wetting yourself over getting that kind of money for Mitoma. Hes good, but so inconsistent.
If Arsenal are sniffing around him they can only do a Permanent move so they might well look at him as a undervalued target right now.

I'd say Arsenal could easily turn Neto's loan into a permanent transfer. He only has 18 months left on his deal currently and will have 12 when the loan ends. I'd say Arsenal taking the contract off Bournemouth's hands would get it done.

Re Mitoma - good money considering he's 28 by the end of the season. Really good player though, genuinely think he's easily Brighton's best by a long way.

[Exgrad]

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/jan/31/chelsea-join-the-race-to-sign-striker-evan-ferguson-from-brighton

chelsea in for him too. He's going to go isnt he, he's done with Brighton (and there have been clear enough reasons why this may be the case, not the idle speculation that are doing the rounds here and on YBIG).

[texidub]

Will be a defining moment in his career wherever he goes. Exciting to see an Irish player being linked with various big clubs across different, prestigious leagues. Can only hope it all works out for him and he stays confident and injury free. I'd love to see him go to Germany for a spell.

Agree w/ earlier poster on Mitoma - he's brilliant and Brighton lack something up front when he's not around.

[kennedmc]

I think he is sulking a bit and not feeling that he got the elevated treatment that his form at the time before his injury entitled him to. From what is known (v. speculated), it definitely seems best for him to move on to a new challenge and cut ties with Brighton completely. There is some bitterness there and he clearly wants out. That's giving Ev the benefit of the doubt though. The "worst case" interpretation of some of those comments, and what they could be pointing to, would leave you a bit worried.

Looks like West Ham are in pole position anyway. They might be getting themselves a bargain.

IF this was true strikes me as very arrogant by Ferguson and poor attitude - a 'sense of entitlement' - is never a good thing. We don;t know if it is true.

Despite his injuries he hasn't done enough on the pitch when he had chance this season. Wellbeck is a decent player and playing well but he is not a world beater. They tend to play Pedro deeper and alot of other attackers are wide players etc. So it not like there is a ton of competition.

Anyway he is obviously still developing and needs to work on various parts of his game.

[Eirambler]

He needs to go somewhere where he would be likely to start every week and get a run of games. So not Chelsea.

[SkStu]

IF this was true strikes me as very arrogant by Ferguson and poor attitude - a 'sense of entitlement' - is never a good thing. We don;t know if it is true..

no, we definitely dont. And I would agree with you that it would be a bit arrogant. I was just speculating - - but there is clearly beef there in some way based off of Hurzeler's comments.

[Exgrad]

no, we definitely dont. And I would agree with you that it would be a bit arrogant. I was just speculating - - but there is clearly beef there in some way based off of Hurzeler's comments.

I think the beef is that Ferguson wants out? Maybe its not too much more past that. When he has been fit the manager has messed him about at times givining him 4 or 5 minutes at the end of games, bit of a joke really and would **** off any player.

[rebelmusic]

There was a bunch of rumours that Welbeck had a row with Hurzeler over the way he was treating Ferguson as well - not confirmed from what I know.

Sometimes managers just have an irrational dislike for a player. Trapattoni Vs Andy Reid as an example. Cultures clash etc. Regardless it clearly isn't working so good for him to be getting out

[Snapshot]

He needs to go somewhere where he would be likely to start every week and get a run of games. So not Chelsea.
It's difficult to believe clubs such as Chelsea or Arsenal see Ferguson as anything other than bench fodder - which is his current status at Brighton. Relegation-threatened clubs also would be similarly stingy with game time if impact wasn't immediate.

I'm disinclined to believe Hürzeler has personal dislike or bias. He's a manager lumbered with a striker who doesn't strike. That's exactly why Ferguson is not in the Brighton team and why, if it continues elsewhere (following a very brief honeymoon period) he won't last in any other EPL team. Going to the continent at this stage of his career would stack even more weight on young shoulders.

That leaves the Championship where the tolerance level by a promotion hopeful would be about four/five starts max. Difficult as it is to swallow, even that looks challenging for the Evan Ferguson we've witnessed this season.

[liamoo11]

It's difficult to believe clubs such as Chelsea or Arsenal see Ferguson as anything other than bench fodder - which is his current status at Brighton. Relegation-threatened clubs also would be similarly stingy with game time if impact wasn't immediate.

I'm disinclined to believe Hürzeler has personal dislike or bias. He's a manager lumbered with a striker who doesn't strike. That's exactly why Ferguson is not in the Brighton team and why, if it continues elsewhere (following a very brief honeymoon period) he won't last in any other EPL team. Going to the continent at this stage of his career would stack even more weight on young shoulders.

That leaves the Championship where the tolerance level by a promotion hopeful would be about four/five starts max. Difficult as it is to swallow, even that looks challenging for the Evan Ferguson we've witnessed this season.

Brighton are a shambles today. Ferguson looking the fittest I've seen him in a year . Hopefully gets a move brighton just don't make chances for central striker , everything is wide looking to drop front man into midfield and put runners from midfield and wide into the box into the central striker area.

[Eirambler]

brighton just don't make chances for central striker

Seems like the kind of tactics that will get you beat 7-0 alright.

[Jolly Red Giant]

Brighton are a shambles today. Ferguson looking the fittest I've seen him in a year . Hopefully gets a move brighton just don't make chances for central striker , everything is wide looking to drop front man into midfield and put runners from midfield and wide into the box into the central striker area.
It is pretty clear that Hurseler is not up to the job - Brighton fans are screaming that it is obvious that he completely out of his depth and want him sacked. If that is a possibility then I suspect that Ferguson won't go anywhere - they wait until they appoint a new guy to the job (and the preferred option among the fans seems to be McKenna).

[seanfhear]

It is pretty clear that Hurseler is not up to the job - Brighton fans are screaming that it is obvious that he completely out of his depth and want him sacked. If that is a possibility then I suspect that Ferguson won't go anywhere - they wait until they appoint a new guy to the job (and the preferred option among the fans seems to be McKenna).Brighton are in bad shape at the moment ~ The manager must be under serious pressure now ~ You may have strong point about keeping Ferguson now until they get a new manager, if they get a new manager.

[liamoo11]

It is pretty clear that Hurseler is not up to the job - Brighton fans are screaming that it is obvious that he completely out of his depth and want him sacked. If that is a possibility then I suspect that Ferguson won't go anywhere - they wait until they appoint a new guy to the job (and the preferred option among the fans seems to be McKenna).

I think evan needs to take responsibility though as well. His fittest levels this season really were woeful up to Christmas. When you have an ankle injury you can still have professional level fitness from.the b8ke, pool running, the anti gravity treadmills etc. Very unprofessional how heavy and unfit he has been. That's on him. Bit on the bright side looked so much lighter and athletic today. Hecwoukd score lots of goals at arsenal

[joey B]

Joining West Ham on loan till the end of the season,no option to buy though….

[John83]

West Ham ‘reach agreement’ for Arsenal, Chelsea forward target with ‘medical’ set
https://www.football365.com/news/west-ham-reach-agreement-arsenal-chelsea-ferguson-brighton-medical

Not sure why the scare quotes on any of that.