Evan Ferguson: 'When a club like Roma are interested, it's hard to turn down'

The Italian team have an option to buy the Ireland international. 

Ireland international Evan Ferguson has joined Italian side Roma on a season-long loan from Brighton. Pic: AS Roma

Roma have confirmed the signing of Evan Ferguson on a season-long loan from Brighton. The deal includes an option for the Serie A side to buy the Ireland international.

The 20-year-old is the first Irish player to join Roma. He will wear the number 11 jersey.

“Evan had a challenging period across the past season and a half, and it has been one disrupted by niggling injury issues which hasn’t allowed him a run of games," said Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler.

“He is over those injuries and has come back in great shape. Now he really wants to play regularly. This is an exciting opportunity in a strong league and with the prospect of European football.

“We wish Evan well for the season ahead and will be watching his progress closely throughout the season.”

Good luck to Evan Ferguson who has joined Serie A side Roma on a season-long loan. 🤝

— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) July 23, 2025

Ferguson, speaking to the club’s website, detailed the background to the offer and his objectives while in Rome.

"It's a big club and we want to finish as high as we can, when I came in we were talking about Champions League targets and getting back up there. That's the expectation of this season.

"When you have a club like Roma, one of the biggest in Europe that are interested, it's hard to turn down.

“Especially when you feel like they want you to come here, (them) saying how good it could be for you and your career. For me, it's a good opportunity.

"When I landed on Sunday, you could tell the culture straight away how big the club is.

“From landing you can hear the fans, people and cameras and interviews. It's a big honour to come and play in front of people who want to see you do well.” 

On the attributes he can bring to the squad, he said: "I can do a few different things but the main thing I want to do is score goals, prove myself and get back out there. I just want to get out there, play football and score goals.

“Hopefully I can do well and lead the path out here and hopefully we can have more (Irish players) in the future.

“It's not an easy league. Trying to compare it to the Premier League, the Italians love defending so I am sure it will be tough out there - especially in the heat."

Ferguson spent the latter half of last season on loan at West Ham, making eight appearances in a disappointing spell. In 80 appearances for Brighton, he has scored 17 goals.