Evan Ferguson joins Roma
Serie A welcomes another international face: Evan Ferguson, an Irish striker from Brighton & Hove Albion. Born in 2004, he’s ready to begin his adventure in the capital of Italy, bringing with him a strong physique and plenty of potential to grow. His arrival in Rome has immediately aroused the fans’ interest: young, ambitious, and perfectly suited to the vertical, high-intensity style of play favoured by Gian Piero Gasperini. Here's everything you need to know about this physically imposing centre-forward with a keen eye for goal, a player to keep a close eye on in 2025/26.
A young talent who rose through the ranks in no time
Born in Bettystown in Ireland, Ferguson was quick to rise through the ranks. After joining St Kevin’s Boys, he made his professional debut with Bohemians in 2020. Not long after, he made a significant jump in his career and joined Brighton in 2021, who gradually integrated him into their first team.
In no time he began to be discussed among insiders as one of the best under-20 talents in Europe. During his time in England, Ferguson demonstrated flashes of being a true striker, especially under Roberto De Zerbi, showing composure in front of goal, the ability to battle with seasoned defenders, and an impressive physical presence (not just in the box). And all this before his 21st birthday, which he’ll celebrate on 19 October. Not bad at all.
Technical skills: a modern and physical striker
Evan Ferguson is the classic centre-forward who immediately stands out. Standing at 1.88 m, dominant in one-on-ones, strong with his back to goal, but also capable of drifting wide and linking up with teammates. He’s quick, moves well into space, and attacks the box with instinctive opportunism. The comparisons to England’s Alan Shearer are no coincidence. Closer to home, many see him as the natural heir to Robbie Keane. He’s a complete striker, though still raw in some areas, his talent is evident but not yet fully refined. The kind of profile Gian Piero Gasperini loves to mould to fit the high-octane football philosophy he’s developed over the years at Atalanta.
Zapata, Højlund, and Scamacca all stand as proof of Gasperini’s ability to develop forwards, it’s now Ferguson’s turn to develop under the head coach as he joins the club at just the right time to become a key figure.
Why Ferguson could be the right man for Roma
Roma had been looking for a young, physically built striker with a hunger to prove himself. Ferguson can add depth to the squad, support and challenge Dovbyk for a place, and also offer an interesting option to play alongside players like Dybala or Soulé.
After a season hampered by physical injuries and a brief loan spell with West Ham United under Graham Potter, the coach who first gave him his chance at Brighton, Ferguson has chosen Serie A as the place to further his career. A challenging, tactical league, it could prove to be the perfect springboard for his development. And with a coach like Gasperini, the conditions are all in place for him to truly thrive.
What to expect in Serie A
As mentioned, adapting to Italian football will not be immediate, but Ferguson already has international experience and the right mentality. His familiarity with the pace and physicality of the Premier League could help him make the right impact against the compact, hard-nosed defences of Serie A. For Roma fans, he could become a new idol. For everyone else, his is the kind of story worth following, a young player with high expectations, a strong desire to bounce back, and a wealth of untapped potential. Who knows, this could be the start of something special for Roma. (Photo Getty Images + Website Roma)