- 8 hours ago
Why Man Utd could have the green light for £100m Ferguson transfer
Brighton are expected to field significant interest in Evan Ferguson this summer and interested teams such as Manchester United have been given their clearest indication yet that a transfer could be possible.
Ferguson is touted as one of the top young strikers in England after breaking into Brighton’s first team last season, with the 19-year-old having scored 12 Premier League in his career, with only 25 of his 46 appearances coming as a starter.
While Ferguson has so far failed to make the step up expected of him this season, interest in the striker is still strong, with Chelsea and Arsenal considered rivals to United for his signing.
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Brighton have insisted they have no desire to sell Ferguson despite rumours of teams being willing to pay up to £100 million for the Irish youngster, however the Seagulls may already have a potential replacement lined up for next season.
Roberto de Zerbi confirmed that striker Deniz Undav is expected to be a part of Brighton’s team next year after his successful loan at Stuttgart this season.
The 27-year-old has scored 15 goals in the Bundesliga this year and could even feature for Germany at the upcoming European Championships after receiving his first cap for his country last month.
🚨🔵 Roberto de Zerbi: “Next season Deniz Undav will come back to Brighton after loan at Stuttgart”.
Plan confirmed to @AndyNaylorBHAFC. pic.twitter.com/Ynf4qJRtNb— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 4, 2024
Should Brighton cash in on unconvincing Ferguson?
Undav’s form could prove a welcome addition to Brighton, whose top scorer Joao Pedro has just eight goals this season after missing the last two months with injury.
Brighton were hoping Ferguson would take the mantle as their lead striker, especially after the teenager scored four times in the first four games of the season, however he has netted just twice in 23 appearances since.
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In spite of the stagnation, Ferguson is still highly rated and is rumoured to be a top target for United, who are looking to build around a younger, home-grown core under Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
With Ferguson still proving unconvincing as the main man for Brighton, a £100m offer could end up being a blessing in disguise if there continue to be doubts over his ability to be a consistent source of goals, particularly with the incoming arrival of Undav.
Brighton aren’t expected to give up on Ferguson and still believe in his potential but, with the Seagulls always open to selling stars for the right price, there may not be a better time to cash with a potential replacement already in the bag.