Fulham Weigh Up Evan Ferguson Swoop With Striker’s Roma Future Uncertain

Fulham hold a long-term interest in Evan Ferguson and could launch a swoop this month.

Fulham Eyeing Up Evan Ferguson Transfer

Ferguson has not impressed at Roma and could be allowed to leave the Serie A club in the coming weeks.

With Gian Piero Gasperini desperate to strengthen his frontline, the Giallorossi splashed €25million on Marseille youngster Robinio Vaz before also bringing Donyell Malen in on loan from Aston Villa.

Malen scored on a dream debut in Italy and is likely to restrict Ferguson’s minutes for the rest of the season.

As a result, the Irishman, on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion, could see his stint in Rome brought to an early end.

Fulham, though, could hand him a potential escape route. According to journalist Mike McGrath, the Premier League outfit are closely monitoring Ferguson’s situation and may move if he becomes available.

Whites boss Marco Silva wants to sign a new striker, and a deal for Ferguson would be low-risk and cost-effective. Crucially, Roma are also open to finding a solution that works for all parties.

However, the deal would be complex. Brighton, the 21-year-old’s parent club, would also need to give their approval, the frontman having moved to Rome in a switch that could have become permanent.

Roma are not expected to activate this clause, which is worth approximately €38m-€40m.

The ace has scored just three goals in 16 Serie A appearances to date this season.

Roma’s Stance On Terminating Loan

“Ferguson has been showing off all his qualities lately. It’s a shame he’s injured now, but we hope to have him back soon. We’re counting on it.”

Gasperini, who has openly criticised the striker numerous times this season, also struck a more hopeful tone.

“He’s grown since the beginning,” he said. “The important thing now is for him to grow in terms of motivation and to understand that Roma is a great opportunity for him.”

In the build-up to Roma’s victory against Genoa in December, Gasperini made a bleak comparison between Ferguson and his team-mate Paulo Dybala, labelling the latter ‘higher-quality’.

“We’re talking about a player of the highest possible level, and the discussion was only about him,” said Gasperini.

“The decision with Dybala and Ferguson comes from the fact that Dybala is a higher-quality player.

“Obviously, the first step is to get him back to feeling his best, and finding the best set-up. There’s no direct comparison with Ferguson: It’s difficult to come across another player of Dybala’s quality.

“If he has problems, there aren’t really any like-for-like replacements.”

Ferguson will certainly hope for more praise, but even that may not be enough to salvage his Roma future.