Chelsea on RED ALERT as No.9 transfer listed for January

Tom Weber

Updated: 26 Nov 2024 09:50 CST
3 min read

Enzo Maresca, Chelsea, 2024/25 — © IMAGO

Brighton have made Evan Ferguson available for a January loan, according to a report.

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The Republic of Ireland international has had a tough time of it since his breakout 2022/23 season. Ferguson already endured a significant drop-off last term and his situation has only worsened under new coach Fabian Hurzeler.

To date, the 20-year-old has only started one Premier League fixture under the German and he finds himself far down the No.9 pecking order for the Seagulls.

Ferguson has had to deal with some injury issues recently, but he is now fully fit and determined to play regular minutes. After all, he was being tipped for a €100 million transfer just over a year ago.

According to The Telegraph, Brighton will not stand in the youngster's way. Barring any injuries to the likes of Danny Welbeck, Georginio Rutter and Joao Pedro, Ferguson will be available for a loan in January.

Chelsea alerted - but will they move?

The news of Ferguson's availability will certainly have intrigued several Premier League outfits even if Brighton are reluctant to sell and have slapped a €72m price tag on his head to deter any potential interest in a permanent transfer,

Chelsea are long-standing admirers of the Irishman and continue to be linked with him despite his drop-off in form. FootballTransfers exclusively revealed last January that the Blues had made a loan approach that was rebuffed by Brighton at the time.

It remains to be seen if the west London club return for the 20-year-old. At present, it seems unlikely unless Christopher Nkunku departs the club in January.

A loan move to a bottom-half Premier League side appears much more realistic at this stage. On Monday, promoted outfit Leicester were linked with Ferguson as they are keen to bolster their side in the battle to stave off relegation.