The summer transfer window often brings intriguing sagas, and AS Roma appears to be orchestrating a potentially shrewd maneuver to reinforce their attacking options. Reports circulating out of Italy suggest the capital club is nearing a significant agreement for Brighton & Hove Albion`s highly-rated young striker, Evan Ferguson.
Roma`s sporting director is reportedly focused on strengthening the squad in a financially sustainable manner. This approach is being facilitated by the recent outgoing transfer of Eldor Shomurodov to Istanbul Basaksehir, freeing up resources and a spot in the forward line. The focus has seemingly landed on Ferguson, a player who burst onto the Premier League scene with impressive performances and significant potential.
However, Ferguson`s momentum was unfortunately interrupted by an ACL injury sustained in April 2024. This setback inevitably impacted his immediate availability and, crucially, his market valuation. Brighton, aware that his price tag isn`t currently reflective of the figures discussed last season (rumored to be around €60 million), appears open to a different kind of deal.
The proposed structure, according to the reports, is a loan arrangement. This allows Roma to bring the player in, provide him with a potential platform to regain match fitness, and assess his recovery and form up close. Critically, the deal is said *not* to include a mandatory purchase obligation for Roma. Instead, the Giallorossi would initially be responsible for covering the player`s salary, reported to be around €2 million per year.
The potential future cost comes in the form of a purchase *option*. Should Roma be satisfied with Ferguson`s progress and performance during the loan period, they would have the right, but not the obligation, to sign him permanently for a fee reportedly set around €30 million. This valuation represents a significant reduction compared to his pre-injury price, reflecting the current circumstances.
For Brighton, who still have a long-term contract with Ferguson (said to run for another four years), this loan provides an opportunity for their valuable asset to continue his rehabilitation and potentially gain crucial game time in a top league, all while remaining under their supervision. The player himself is reportedly amenable to the move, likely viewing it as a positive step for his career progression following his injury lay-off.
While not yet a fully completed transfer, the reported details outline a pragmatic and calculated move by Roma. It`s a strategic gamble aimed at potentially acquiring a high-potential striker at a significantly reduced cost, contingent on his successful recovery and return to form. If Ferguson can rediscover the talent he showed before his injury, this loan-with-option could indeed prove to be a very astute piece of business for the Eternal City club.
