Brighton striker Evan Ferguson has officially landed in Rome, completing a loan move to Serie A giants AS Roma.
The deal, which includes a €3 million loan fee and a €40 million buy option, is more than just a new club for the player — it could kickstart the career of one of Europe’s most promising young forwards.
At just 20 years old, Ferguson arrives in the Italian capital with a point to prove, following an injury-ravaged season and an underwhelming loan spell at West Ham.
But under Gian Piero Gasperini, Roma may be the perfect platform for the Irish international to relaunch his career.
How Good Is Evan Ferguson?
Few Premier League fans need reminding of Ferguson’s breakout 2022-23 campaign. As a teenager, he scored six goals in just 10 Premier League starts for Brighton, including a stunning hat-trick against Newcastle. At 18, he became one of the youngest players in league history to score three in a game.
But his form dipped dramatically last season. A long-term ankle injury disrupted his rhythm, and Brighton’s forward line became increasingly competitive with the additions of Joao Pedro and Georginio Rutter.
Ferguson managed just one goal in all competitions, and his loan to West Ham in January yielded only 156 Premier League minutes.
The Brighton hierarchy are still believers — manager Fabian Hurzeler has publicly backed Ferguson to return one day — but it’s clear the club felt a change of scenery was necessary.
Why Gasperini Wants Evan Ferguson
Enter Gian Piero Gasperini, a manager known for developing emerging talents into world-class attackers. At Atalanta, Gasperini helped unlock the full potential of Duvan Zapata, Josip Ilicic, and Rasmus Højlund — the latter sold to Manchester United for over €70 million after just one standout season in Italy.
Ferguson’s arrival suggests Roma are hoping for a similar trajectory. Roma have been on the search for a striker to replace Tammy Abraham, who joined Besiktas earlier this window, and Ferguson is expected to compete with Artem Dovbyk for the starting No. 9 role.
Sources inside the club indicate that Gasperini specifically requested a young, mobile center forward capable of both pressing high and finishing in the box — Ferguson fits that profile perfectly.
His arrival is part of a broader squad rebuild under Gasperini, who has already made his first signing in midfield with a €25 million deal for Neil El Aynaoui from Lens — a move that kicked off Roma’s summer transfer business.
With El Aynaoui offering dynamism and goals from midfield, Ferguson could benefit from a much-improved support system compared to what he had at West Ham in particular.
Evan Ferguson Career Stats
| Club | Years | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bohemians | 2019–2021 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Brighton | 2021–present | 80 | 17 | 6 |
| West Ham (loan) | 2025 | 8 | 0 | 0 |
Still just 20, Ferguson has shown glimpses of top-level quality — the kind of raw talent that could thrive in the more tactical, less frantic Serie A.
Roma Fans Greet Ferguson at Airport
For Ferguson, this Roma loan is about more than just playing time — it’s about rediscovering belief. Still only 20, the Irishman will be given time to adjust in a slower-paced league where tactical positioning and finishing are king.
The Roma fans are already on board. Over 100 supporters turned up at Ciampino Airport to serenade Ferguson on arrival, chanting his name and showing the kind of warm welcome that could be crucial in rebuilding the striker’s confidence.
Evan Ferguson is IN ROME
What a welcome he’s got from the Roma fans
🇮🇪💚🇮🇹pic.twitter.com/mB2Z4kJzIE
— IrishPropaganda🇮🇪⚽️ (@IrishPropaganda) July 20, 2025
He also becomes just the fifth Irish player ever to feature in Serie A, following Liam Brady, Robbie Keane, Festy Ebosele, and James Abankwah.
Punters interested in following Ferguson’s progress in Italy might want to check out some of the best offshore sportsbooks offering odds on Serie A markets, including top goalscorer and Roma’s Champions League hopes.
Do Roma Have A Buy Option for Ferguson?
Ferguson’s loan includes a hefty buy option, but it’s not mandatory — meaning Brighton could potentially bring him back if he rediscovers top form.
This protects the Premier League club’s long-term interests while allowing Ferguson the environment he needs to thrive.
Bohemians, Ferguson’s former club, also stand to benefit, with reports indicating a 12.5% sell-on clause — potentially worth €5 million if the deal becomes permanent.
Under Gasperini’s mentorship, in a league that often protects young strikers more than the Premier League, the odds may finally tilt back in Ferguson’s favor.
