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Brighton will turn down loan offers from star Evan Ferguson with the 18-year-old striker set to be part of Roberto de Zerbi’s first team for the remainder of the season following a phenomenal start to his Premier League career.
- Brighton are ready to block any proposed loan move for striker Ferguson
- Burnley, Blackburn, Ipswich and Derby have expressed interest in a loan deal
- The teenager has scored in his last two games against Arsenal and Everton
Brighton are ready to block any proposed loan move for striker Evan Ferguson following his last performance against Everton on Tuesday night.
The 18-year-old Irishman, making his first Premier League start, netted Jeremy Sarmiento’s cross into the top corner against Everton to become the youngest player to score in consecutive top-flight games since Federico Macheda for Manchester United in 2009.
Ferguson scored after facing Arsenal on New Year’s Eve and that followed his top flight debut as a late substitute in the Seagulls’ 3–1 win at Southampton on 26 December.
Brighton are ready to block any proposed loan move for striker Evan Ferguson (above)
Burnley, Swansea City, West Brom, Blackburn Rovers, Ipswich and Derby County had all been making overtures for Brighton in the hope that it would become available on the loan market this month.
However, his excellent form has prompted a rethink and he is now expected to remain as part of Roberto de Zerbi’s first-team squad and could still win a new contract before the end of the season.
His teammate Solly March, who benefited from Ferguson’s assist to score Brighton’s third against Everton, was very impressed.
“As an 18-year-old coming in for the first time as a Premier League starter, he’s really phenomenal,” March said. He is strong, fast, holds the ball well and scores goals, so we are delighted with him.
The 18-year-old striker scored in back-to-back top-flight games against Arsenal and Everton
He is a different player than what we have had in recent games. It’s nice to have that big figure in the box that you know when you cross the balls, he’s going to hold it.”
Brighton boss de Zerbi also praised Ferguson’s contribution.
“He’s a very good player, very young, but the quality is very clear to everyone at Brighton,” the manager said. He works for the team and I want players who do that. He has physical and technical quality and knows how to score. That is very important to us.
Ferguson said: ‘Thrilled with the result and getting another goal. I feel comfortable. Being with guys every day, they put pressure on you. You have to keep working and working. It’s good.’