Soccer

Bayer Leverkusen join host of Premier League clubs in race for Evan Ferguson

Bournemouth, West Ham and Tottenham keen to take Ireland striker on loan

Bayer Leverkusen have joined a number of Premier League clubs looking to take Evan Ferguson on loan from Brighton. Photograph: Glyn Kirk/AFP via Getty Images
Bayer Leverkusen have joined a number of Premier League clubs looking to take Evan Ferguson on loan from Brighton. Photograph: Glyn Kirk/AFP via Getty Images
Jacob Steinberg
Tue Jan 28 2025 - 17:58

Bayer Leverkusen have joined the race to sign Evan Ferguson but face competition for the Brighton striker from Bournemouth, Everton, Tottenham and West Ham.

Ferguson, who is recovering from an ankle injury, has fallen down the pecking order at the Amex stadium this season and Brighton are deliberating over whether to let the Republic of Ireland international leave on loan. Interested clubs are under the impression that a permanent deal is not on the table.

There is plenty of competition for Ferguson, regarded as one of the brightest young strikers in the Premier League, and Leverkusen have made inquiries. The German champions may need a forward if the Nigeria international Victor Boniface seals a move to the Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr.

The 20-year-old’s future remains open and he is on West Ham’s radar as they consider how to bolster their attacking options after losing Niclas Füllkrug and Michail Antonio to injury. Their new head coach, Graham Potter, is believed to be unsure about a loan move for RB Leipzig’s André Silva and Ajax’s demands for Brian Brobbey are deemed excessive. Potter, the former Brighton manager, gave Ferguson his first-team debut.

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Bournemouth are also looking at Ferguson after losing Enes Unal and Evanilson to injury. Everton are short of firepower, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin sidelined because of a hamstring injury, and Spurs are without Dominic Solanke for six weeks. Richarlison picked up a groin injury in Spurs’ defeat by Leicester.

There has previously been talk of big bids for Ferguson from Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United. He has found the going tough over the past 18 months and has scored once in 14 appearances this season. – Guardian