Liverpool are reportedly set to face defeat in their chase to sign highly-rated Evan Ferguson, with the Bohemians star set for a summer move to Brighton.
Defending Premier League champions Liverpool have had their fair share of trouble dealing with teams lower than them on the league table this season. However, as per The Sun, Brighton have inflicted a defeat, this time in the transfer market, by securing a deal for Bohemians star Evan Ferguson.
The 16-year-old reportedly already has an agreement with Bohemians that sees him move to Brighton in the summer of 2021. Bohemians manager Keith Long confirmed the same.
“He has a deal already done with Brighton. He’ll go in the summer. I don’t think there’s any secret there.”
It has become norm for big clubs to lose out to other Premier League clubs in pursuit of hot prospects these days. However, Evan Ferguson is far from ordinary. The forward was already on the radar of the bigwigs from the age of 14, when he appeared in a pre-season friendly against Chelsea and produced an impressive 23 minute cameo that left quite an impression.
Long had highlighted Ferguson’s talent and potential after he played a part in the aforementioned 1-1 draw against Chelsea.
He said, “Evan has got lots of attention from English clubs, he’s got lots of suitors. He’s 14 and he comes off the bench and shows maturity beyond his years — and quality as well. He almost scored . . . and his clever little stepover for Eric in the build-up to the goal.”
Now 16, Ferguson has earned his senior debut, with the striker handed his full debut in the 2-1 win over St. Patrick’s Athletic on Monday. The youngster’s star must have risen further with his senior debut, which would only go on to indicate just how big a coup this is for Brighton; adding to the fact that they already beat Liverpool to the striker.
Liverpool have heavily delved into the market to beef up their youth setup of late. Bringing in the likes of Sepp van den Berg, Harvey Elliott and more to add to their ranks along with the recent arrival of Marcelo from Fluminese have all been signings made for the future.
Brighton though, would be elated to have secured Evan Ferguson’s future and will be hoping the 16-year-old Irish youngster lives up to the hype.
