Evan Ferguson Rescues Roma Future Despite Cryptic Gian Piero Gasperini Comments

Evan Ferguson looks set to stay at Roma until the end of the season after impressing Gian Piero Gasperini.

Gian Piero Gasperini Praises Evan Ferguson Roma Improvement

Ferguson played the full 90 minutes as the Giallorossi beat Stuttgart 2-0 in the Europa League on Thursday night, moving them to the cusp of qualifying directly for the last-16.

The striker did not score but impressed with his hard work and link-up play. While Niccolo Pisilli stole the show after his match-winning brace, Ferguson did enough to earn special recognition from his manager.

He is now expected to see out the rest of the campaign in Rome, despite the big-name arrivals of Robinio Vaz and Donyell Malen. The latter, of course, enjoyed a dream debut against Torino and is the first-choice striker.

“I think he’s changed his attitude and his condition,” said Gasperini.

“Now he’s playing, he’s present, he has his own impact, then he can do well or not so well. But I think he’s present and not intangible like at the start of the season.

“He’s also very young. The important thing is that he’s showing signs.”

Ferguson is understood to have picked up a minor ankle knock in the closing stages, but will not miss out against AC Milan this weekend.

The 21-year-old picked up the issue in the build-up to Pisilli’s second goal deep inside stoppage time, and was spotted walking gingerly. He could not be substituted, however, after Roma used all five changes.

He then headed straight for the tunnel at the final whistle. The club expect him to take part in training as planned this week, but both Vaz and Malen are likely to get the nod ahead of him at the Stadio Olimpico.

Will He Stay At Roma Next Season?

At present, it seems unlikely with Roma set to avoid triggering a permanent clause worth €38million-€40m.

FootItalia recently reported that Fulham are interested in Ferguson. According to journalist Mike McGrath, they are closely monitoring his situation and could make a move if he becomes available.

However, the deal would be complex, while Brighton, his parent club, would also need to give their approval.

Speaking ahead of the visit of Stuttgart, Gasperini delivered a cryptic response to a question on Ferguson’s future.

“I’ll just say that he’s a player who has recovered from a heavy knock he suffered in the last home match,” said the 67-year-old. “Therefore, he will be available tomorrow.

“As of today, he is a Roma player, and every opportunity is useful to provide good performances. Lately, he has shown positive things, also scoring a couple of important goals.”