Why Chelsea should target Brighton's Evan Ferguson

Cameron Smith

• Updated: 23 Jan 2023 09:15 GMT
• 5 min read

Since Todd Boehly took over as owner in 2022, Chelsea's transfer policy has shifted towards a younger demographic.

The Blues are now hell-bent on signing the best young talent in world football and are prepared to spend millions to achieve that.

In the past six months, Cesare Casadei, Omari Hutchinson, Carney Chukwuemeka, Gabriel Slonina, Wesley Fofana, David Datro Fofana, Benoit Badiashile, Andrey Santos, Mykhailo Mudryk and Noni Madueke have all joined on permanent deals and are all aged 22 or under.

READ: Why Badiashile's form pushes Koulibaly closer to Chelsea exit

Chelsea are building for the future, which is why Graham Potter's job appears safe despite a shaky run of form that has seen them slip to 10th place in the Premier League table.

Despite the huge investment that has been made by Boehly, there are three areas that still need attention: right-back, central midfield and striker.

Malo Gusto has been targeted to fix the former, while Moises Caicedo is believed to be the midfielder that Chelsea have landed on following their failed pursuit of Benfica and Argentina star Enzo Fernandez.

READ: Chelsea urged to go back in for Benfica's Enzo Fernandez

Christopher Nkunku's imminent summer arrival may mean that a number nine is no longer deemed a priority, but the Frenchman's ability to drop deep and create is something that may benefit from a more natural centre-forward alongside him - that's where Evan Ferguson could come in.

Ferguson is an 18-year-old forward, signed by Brighton from Irish club Bohemians back in 2021. He has been slowly integrated into the first-team at the Amex and is now a key member of Roberto De Zerbi's side despite his young age.

The Irishman has the build of a traditional number nine, but combines that with excellent close control and link play, as well as a keen eye for goal. All in all, he is a very special player who has all the attributes of a modern centre-forward; Ferguson looks like someone destined for the very top.

A breakout season for Evan Ferguson

After cameo appearances under Graham Potter, Ferguson has become a key player for De Zerbi since the restart of the Premier League season following the World Cup break.

He's contributed five goals and assists in his last four league games, and had usurped Leandro Trossard in the Brighton starting XI before the Belgian was sold to table-toppers Arsenal.

De Zerbi's system has seen Brighton play some of the very best football in the Premier League and Ferguson has played his part in that. The young Irishman is equally excellent with his back to goal and running the channels, while his perfectly executed header against Leicester City demonstrated his aerial ability. That all-round game is something to be marvelled at given his age.

Ferguson has it all and would provide Chelsea with the tools to become a force to be reckoned with for years to come. The Blues need an out-and-out goal-scorer and Ferguson could be the link piece in their attack.

Having missed out on Youssoufa Moukoko following his contract extension at Borussia Dortmund, Ferguson would be an astute pick-up for the Blues, and he's ready to contribute now - as shown at Brighton.

Potter knows him and he'd continue the theme of Chelsea poaching Brighton's best assets. However, it may cost a fair whack to convince the Seagulls to sell, with De Zerbi a massive fan and his contract not set to expire until 2026. But, if Chelsea can find a way, then signing Ferguson would be an excellent decision.

Despite all the money spent, Chelsea are still yet to sign an out-and-out number nine - Ferguson fits that brief and would align with the Blues' recent transfer policy of signing young stars.