Evan Ferguson Tops Roma Wishlist as Hojlund Plan B

Evan Ferguson has rocketed to the top of Roma’s January shopping list, with the Giallorossi formally opening talks with Brighton & Hove Albion over an initial loan that could include a purchase option in the summer. Club officials, led by sporting director Tiago Pinto, see the 19-year-old Republic of Ireland international as the ideal long-term successor to Romelu Lukaku, whose own loan from Chelsea expires in June.

Why Evan Ferguson Appeals to Roma

Evan Ferguson ticks every box José Mourinho wants from a modern No. 9: physical presence, intelligent movement, and a proven eye for goal in the Premier League. Despite starting only 10 league matches this season, he has already scored four times—highlighting an efficiency that Roma’s current striking corps lacks. Club scouts have tracked him since his youth-team days at Bohemians, noting his blend of aerial power and technical polish. Mourinho believes that, surrounded by creators like Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini, Ferguson could make an immediate impact while also offering a decade of upside.

Roma’s Attacking Dilemma

Last term, Tammy Abraham’s ACL injury and Andrea Belotti’s inconsistency left Roma painfully short on goals. Lukaku’s arrival eased the burden, but the Belgian’s salary is beyond Roma’s long-term budget and Chelsea demand a permanent fee next summer. Veteran Stephan El Shaarawy has chipped in from wide areas, yet Mourinho remains adamant that a young, high-ceiling striker is essential if Roma are to return to the Champions League.

Brighton’s Position on Ferguson

Brighton value Evan Ferguson at around €70 million and would prefer to keep him until at least 2025, viewing him as a centrepiece of Roberto De Zerbi’s project. However, Ferguson’s playing time has dipped since João Pedro’s arrival, and sources close to the Amex indicate the Seagulls might sanction a loan with a hefty obligation to buy—provided a sizeable fee and sell-on clauses are included. Brighton also know they hold leverage: Ferguson signed a new long-term contract in November, tying him to the south-coast club until 2029.

Rasmus Hojlund Remains on the Radar

Should negotiations for Ferguson stall, Roma will pivot toward Manchester United’s Rasmus Hojlund, who has struggled to translate Champions League form into Premier League goals. The Danish forward is yet to find the net domestically, and United boss Erik ten Hag is under pressure to off-load fringe players to fund reinforcements elsewhere. Roma would consider a straight loan for Hojlund, banking on Mourinho’s reputation for polishing raw talents, much as he did with fellow Scandinavian Zlatan Ibrahimović at Inter.

Financial Framework of a Potential Deal

Roma’s initial proposal involves a six-month loan fee of €5 million for Evan Ferguson, with an option—potentially becoming an obligation—to purchase for €38-45 million depending on appearances and Champions League qualification. Brighton, renowned for savvy sales, could push for closer to €55 million, plus a 10 percent sell-on clause. Crucially, Roma would cover the striker’s full salary, reported at £40,000 per week—well within their wage structure.

Competition and Timing

Roma are not alone. Premier League clubs Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur remain admirers of Ferguson, while Bayern Munich have also sent scouts. Roma hope to steal a march by moving early in the January window, buoyed by an expected cash injection from owners the Friedkin Group. The Giallorossi believe securing the teen sensation could galvanise their top-four push and cement Mourinho’s future beyond this season.

Player Perspective

Those close to Evan Ferguson describe him as intrigued by the prospect of Serie A. The league’s defensive rigour is viewed as a perfect finishing school, and the chance to work under Mourinho holds obvious appeal. Nevertheless, sources insist Ferguson will not agitate for a move; he is grateful to Brighton for giving him his Premier League platform and will respect the club’s decision.

What Happens Next?

Talks are scheduled to continue this week, with Roma hoping to reach a broad agreement before New Year’s Day to avoid a bidding war. If Brighton refuse, attention will shift swiftly to Hojlund, who might welcome a fresh start after a turbulent first six months at Old Trafford. Either way, Roma are determined to add youthful firepower—underscoring their ambition to blend experience with emerging talent as the club enters a pivotal phase both on and off the pitch.

Opinion: A Calculated Gamble Worth Taking

Snaring Evan Ferguson would be a statement of intent from Roma and Serie A at large. The Irishman’s ceiling is sky-high, and his profile perfectly complements the tactical nuances of Italian football. While the finances are daunting, elite strikers rarely come cheap. If Roma can structure a deal that protects them against risk—much like their Lukaku arrangement—this could become one of the smartest pieces of business in the upcoming window.