Evan Ferguson to Join AS Roma on Loan with €40m Buy Option

AS Roma have agreed with Brighton to bring Irish player Evan Ferguson to Italy on a season-long loan. The deal has a €40 million buy option, giving Roma the chance to make the move permanent next summer. Ferguson is set to arrive in Italy soon to complete paperwork. He will join his new team before the 2025-26 Serie A season.

WHAT HAPPENED?

After weeks of talks, Roma and Brighton finalized the deal for Ferguson, who has agreed to move to AS Roma. He was previously loaned out to West Ham last season, where he had an unsuccessful spell with no goals in eight appearances. Now, he will play under coach Gian Piero Gasperini at Roma. Although Roma are not obligated to buy after the loan, they have the option for €40 million. Several clubs wanted Ferguson, but he chose Roma, keen to work with Gasperini, who was interested in him before. Ferguson will head to Rome for a medical before joining pre-season training.

LATEST SEASON PERFORMANCE AND IMPACT

Last season, Ferguson had a challenging campaign, struggling to find form with only one goal in 21 league appearances. His performance at Brighton affected his playing time, leading to the loan to West Ham. Since moving to Brighton, he had a bright start to his career but recently stalled. In Gasperini, Ferguson finds a coach who could aid his development. Roma, who finished fifth in Serie A last season, need more goals to reach the top four, and they hope Ferguson will rediscover the form that once made him a £100 million-rated player.

WHAT NEXT FOR ROMA AND FERGUSON?

Roma will register Ferguson, who could feature against Bologna for the Serie A opener. Gasperini aims to quickly return the team to the top four, needing improvement in front of goal. If Ferguson impresses, the club might trigger the €40m buy option at the end of the season.