1. Transfer details
• Fee: Reportedly €55 million up-front, with €5 million in performance-related add-ons.
• Contract: Five-year deal running until June 2029, with an option for a further 12 months.
• Jersey number: Ferguson will wear the No. 9 shirt, vacated at the end of last season.
2. Player profile
• Age & background: Born 19 October 2004 in Cork, Ireland. Broke into Brighton’s first team as a 17-year-old in late 2021.
• Style of play: A powerful centre-forward known for his strength in the air, clever movement between defenders and clinical finishing.
• Brighton record: 14 goals and 7 assists in 47 Premier League appearances across the past two seasons, despite limited starts.
3. Quotes
– Tiago Pinto (Sporting Director, AS Roma): “Evan is one of Europe’s most exciting young strikers. His physical profile and hunger to score suit our style under coach De Rossi. He has the potential to become a world-class forward.”
– Daniele De Rossi (Head Coach, AS Roma): “He’s fearless in the box, he runs defenders ragged, and he’s got that killer instinct. We’re delighted to bring a talent of his calibre to Rome.”
– Evan Ferguson: “Joining Roma is a dream. The club’s history, the passion of the fans and the opportunity to compete in Serie A and Europe convinced me this is the right next step.”
4. Impact on AS Roma
• Reinforced attack: Ferguson will partner Paulo Dybala and Andrea Belotti, adding a focal point in the penalty area.
• Tactical fit: His ability to hold up play and make intelligent runs will allow Roma to switch between 4-2-3-1 and 3-4-2-1 seamlessly.
• Ambitions: With this signing, Roma signal their intent to challenge Juventus, Inter and AC Milan for a top-three finish and to mount a deep run in the Champions League.
5. Reaction & next steps
• Fans: Social media has erupted with excitement, hailing Ferguson as “the future No. 9” and praising the club’s ambition.
• Medical & unveiling: The player is expected in Rome tomorrow for a medical before a formal presentation at the Stadio Olimpico on Monday.
• Brighton’s reinvestment: Brighton will reinvest in their academy and look to the January window to reinforce their squad.
With this marquee signing, AS Roma round off a busy summer of transfers and set their sights firmly on domestic and continental success in the 2024–25 season.
