“Big Move 80% Done: Brighton Star Set for Shock Exit as Roma Beat Everton in £45m Tug-of-War!”

Roma Lead Chase for Brighton’s Evan Ferguson Amid £45m Valuation Stand-Off

Brighton and Hove Albion striker Evan Ferguson looks increasingly likely to leave the club this summer, with Italian side AS Roma emerging as frontrunners in the race for his signature. However, negotiations over the structure of the deal have yet to be finalised, with Brighton holding firm on their valuation of the highly rated Irish international.

According to Corriere dello Sport, Roma are pushing to secure Ferguson on an initial season-long loan, with an option to buy at the end of the campaign. While all parties are reportedly on board with the general framework of the move, the key sticking point remains the fee involved in the permanent transfer clause.

Brighton are said to be holding out for around £45 million, while Roma have so far indicated they would be willing to go no higher than £25 million. Talks are ongoing, with both sides hoping to find a compromise that will allow the deal to move forward.

In a twist to the tale, Everton were also previously interested in Ferguson, but Corriere dello Sport claims that David Moyes’ side cooled their pursuit once Roma stepped up negotiations with the Seagulls. There were suggestions of a potential three-way agreement that could see Ferguson eventually land at Goodison Park after a spell in Serie A, but those discussions appear to have quietened for now.

Ferguson’s absence from Brighton’s pre-season activity has only fuelled speculation about his future. The 19-year-old was not involved in the club’s recent 6-1 win over Wycombe Wanderers and has been noticeably absent from the official training photos released by the club.

His absence comes at a time when some supporters had hoped the recent departure of Joao Pedro—who joined Chelsea in a £60m switch—might pave the way for Ferguson to re-establish himself at the Amex. However, that scenario is looking increasingly unlikely as new head coach Fabian Hürzeler appears to be shaping his attacking plans without the Irishman in mind.

Danny Welbeck, who scored four goals in the friendly against Wycombe, is expected to play a leading role in Hürzeler’s system next season. He will likely be joined by summer recruit Georginio Rutter, while the £50m-rated Greek duo of Charalampos Kostoulas and Stefanos Tzimas are also pushing for first-team opportunities.

RomaNews, a Rome-based outlet, echoed reports of Brighton’s firm stance on the £45m fee, while suggesting the Italian club are reluctant to overspend given their current financial structure.

As it stands, Ferguson’s next move remains up in the air. With the Premier League season fast approaching and Brighton already shifting their focus to other forward options, it appears a resolution will need to be reached quickly if Ferguson is to secure a fresh start abroad.

The saga continues—with Brighton standing their ground and Roma weighing their options—while the talented teenager remains in limbo, awaiting clarity on the next chapter of his promising career.