Newcastle United have recently been linked with an interest in young Irish striker Evan Ferguson of Brighton and Hove Albion, but it doesn’t look like a summer move is on the cards.
Ferguson has made a blistering start to life at Brighton drawing comparisons to Alan Shearer already, the 18-year-old has found himself on the wish list of some top European clubs including Newcastle.
However, 90mins’ Graeme Bailey said on the latest Talking Transfers Podcast that he expects Ferguson to stay at Brighton next season and possibly the one after before he makes his big move. “He won’t be going this summer,” said Bailey.
Ferguson is being tracked by some huge teams
“Bayern Munich and Barcelona are amongst the teams watching him. He’s one of the best young strikers in Europe at the moment.
“Napoli are looking at him as well. Napoli could be an interesting one if [Victor] Osimhen leaves.
“He’s happy at Brighton and Brighton fans are very happy with this guy.
“I think in two years time we could be talking about one of the most in-demand strikers in Europe. But I think he will stay with Brighton, he’s clever he knows it, two years at Brighton I think will do him the world of good. I don’t think he’s ready for that move just yet.”
Bailey does go on to say that he doesn’t think clubs will be deterred from making offers in the summer.
After Ferguson’s brilliant performance for Brighton as they knocked Grimsby out of the FA Cup, BBC’s Danny Murphy was full of superlatives for the striker saying he’s a ‘superstar’ and said his maturity is ‘phenomenal’ as he cooed over Ferguson’s first goal.
Brighton keeping hold of Ferguson could work to Newcastle’s advantage
Brighton will obviously be very keen to keep hold of Ferguson beyond this season, but they do have a good record of selling their best players.
Ferguson’s current deal at Brighton runs until 2026 so they’ll not feel any pressure to sell, and Graeme Bailey hinted that an improved deal could be offered come the end of the season, so it’s clear they don’t want to let him go.
Therefore, if anyone wants to come in for the Irish international, they’d have to come in with a very impressive offer. Whether Newcastle would be willing to do that this summer, given the need to strengthen other areas of the pitch first, is unlikely.
It could work to Newcastle’s advantage if Brighton manage to keep hold of Ferguson for another couple of seasons as in two years time we should be in a much better position to out-muscle Europe’s top teams. Also we’ll have a better idea if his form is a flash in the pan or if he’s every bit the world-beater he looks.
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