Evan Ferguson’s hat-trick against Newcastle on Saturday has piqued the interest of the major clubs once more, with Manchester City the most recent club to be linked with the Brighton ace.
Evan Ferguson demonstrated his class once more in last Saturday’s 3-1 victory over Newcastle United at the American Express Stadium.
Ferguson, 18, put on a textbook center forward performance and scored a well-taken hat-trick to secure all three points against Eddie Howe’s men. Brighton are sixth in the Premier League as the international break approaches, with three wins and one loss from their opening four games.
Ferguson’s performance against the Magpies remains the primary talking point, and inews.co.uk reported yesterday that Manchester City are interested in signing the Ireland international and pairing him with Erling Haaland.
It’s an exciting prospect for City fans, but Ferguson is only at the start of his career and playing regularly at Brighton. Albion head coach Roberto De Zerbi employs an attacking approach and has thus far been successful in getting the most out of his teenage striker.
Ferguson has plenty of chances from wide areas thanks to the likes of Kaoru Mitoma and Solly March, while behind him, technicians like Billy Gilmour and Pascal Gross thread the passes through. It’s an excellent environment for a young striker who will also be representing Brighton in the Europa League this season.
Ferguson has four top-flight goals in four games this season, and he scored 12 goals in all competitions for the Seagulls in his breakthrough season last season. His form has already piqued the curiosity of Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, who saw Ferguson as a potential replacement for Harry Kane following his move to Bayern Munich.
Man City were joined to the list of suitors this week, and as has been seen in the past, Brighton will sell its top players for premium pay, but only when it is convenient for them.
During an interview with talksport.com last month, Brighton’s chief executive and deputy chairman was asked about selling Ferguson: “In Evan’s case, it’ll be at least five years,” Barber added, smiling. “The technical staff make the key decisions on where a player is in his development, whether he needs more first-team games, should go on loan, or if we should trade sooner or later.” Ultimately, it will be a group choice, but it will be pushed by the technical staff, and we will rely on them to make such decisions about the players’ growth.”
“Tony [Bloom] and I will then primarily get involved when it comes down to financial decisions,” Barber continued.
De Zerbi, the head coach, has also loved working with his young charges. “On Evan Ferguson, I’m really delighted today, but not for the goals,” De Zerbi stated after the game in Newcastle. “He was fully aware of the situation. He is working to perfect his qualities, not only to score. He has the potential to grow enormously large. His abilities are sufficient for him to become a great player.
“He has the potential to be Europe’s leading scorer.” No, you weren’t born in 2004. I’m not sure how many young guys score goals like this in their careers.”
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