Evan Ferguson transfer: All the clubs linked with a swoop for the Ireland striker
With each passing day, a new club seems to be added to the rapidly growing list of Evan Ferguson admirers.
The January transfer window doesn’t open for another five weeks, but speculation about the future of Brighton and Ireland striker Evan Ferguson is already reaching fever pitch.
A weekend of frenzied speculation has spilled into Monday, with more clubs being added to the rapidly growing list of admirers of the 20-year-old man from County Meath.
That list includes one or two long-term suitors, but in recent days some fresh names have been added to the mix in media reports across the water.
READ MORE: The 600 million dollar question facing new Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim - Eamon Dunphy
READ MORE: Baffled Roy Keane blasts Manchester United reaction to going ahead against Ipswich
The first hurdle that any potential buyer would have to jump would be Brighton’s willingness - or lack of - to sell.
Although from the outside, they appear better positioned to sanction his big-money departure than at any time since his breakthrough way back in August 2021, in a League Cup game against Cardiff.
Ferguson’s latest appearance for the Seagulls, in their first game back from an international break that saw him score one goal and start two games - including one where he was robbed of a penalty at Wembley - was as an 86th minute substitute in the 2-1 win away to Bournemouth.
Ominously for the Irishman, Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler used that game to try out a new front-three of Georginio Rutter, Joao Pedro and the experienced, and in-form, Danny Welbeck.
Rutter spoke glowingly afterwards of the link-up play between the three and the work done on the training pitch at honing their connection.
“For the first goal we like to play like this, and we do it a lot in training. It worked well and we enjoyed it,” he said.
Between their attacking options and the money that they could still get for Ferguson, and the fear that time spent on the bench could devalue him as an asset, Brighton’s resolve to keep him will be severely tested during the January window.
That’s because, if the multiple reports from cross-channel are to be believed, Ferguson will have no shortage of bidders once the new year is rung in.
Here are some of the clubs that have been linked with him in recent days…
Chelsea
Long-term admirers of the youngster, Chelsea’s interest doesn’t appear to have waned, despite the injury problems that have stunted his spectacular progress.
According to reports, a move for Ferguson could now trump one for Galatasaray front-man Victor Osimhen, with the Blues fearful of interest elsewhere in the former Napoli striker.
While Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap is also on their list, the Chelsea recruitment department are maintaining a close eye on any developments regarding Ferguson ahead of a possible move.
Fulham
While Chelsea might hold off until the summer, Fulham are targeting Ferguson with more urgency, so a January bid is likely, according to reports.
Manager Marco Silva has made the acquisition of a striker a key priority in the new year and Ferguson is at the top of his list.
Crucially, they may be willing to take Ferguson on-loan, something that could prove tempting to Brighton.
Leicester
Like Fulham, Leicester’s reported interest emerged over the weekend - and it is not likely to cool despite the departure of manager Steve Cooper just five months into his reign.
The Foxes have netted just 15 goals in 12 Premier League matches so far this season and, currently 16th in the table, are in need of some inspiration in attack.
As with Fulham, a loan move could be on the cards.
West Ham
The Hammers are the third club being linked with a loan swoop - although a permanent deal has not yet been ruled out.
With Germany striker Niclas Fullkrug struggling to settle, a link with Ferguson emerged on Monday morning.
Burnley
Would Ferguson go for a drop down a division? If so, Burnley could be the answer. They too would be willing to take the Ireland international on-loan for the second-half of the season.
Scott Parker is eager to add goals to his side and he reportedly sees Ferguson as the answer.
Whether it materialises or not will likely depend on the solidity of the Ireland striker’s top-flight options.
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts
Related
Share this page
Guest Posts by Easy Branches
