Quick Read
- Roma are preparing to terminate Evan Ferguson’s loan from Brighton in January after a disappointing spell.
- Ferguson failed to score or assist in 13 appearances for Roma, prompting the club to seek alternatives.
- Celtic and other clubs may pursue Ferguson as he returns to Brighton.
- Internationally, Ferguson has lost his starting spot for Ireland to Troy Parrott after injury setbacks.
- Ferguson’s future is uncertain, both at club and international level.
Roma Set to End Evan Ferguson’s Loan Early After Disappointing Spell
When Evan Ferguson signed on loan for Roma in the summer of 2025, there was genuine anticipation in both Italy and Ireland. The young Irish striker had previously shown flashes of promise at Brighton, and the move was billed as a chance for him to develop further, sharpen his talents, and help Roma push for a top-four finish in Serie A. But as the winter window approaches, Ferguson finds himself at a crossroads, his time in the Italian capital unraveling faster than anyone expected.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport and reporting by Goal.com, Roma’s sporting director Frederic Massara is preparing to terminate Ferguson’s loan agreement in January. The reason? Ferguson’s inability to adapt and deliver on the pitch. In 13 appearances across all competitions, he hasn’t managed a single goal or assist. Italian media have described his performances as “ghost-like”—a player present but not making an impact, struggling with the physicality and tactical demands of Serie A.
The club’s urgency to reinforce their attack has put Ferguson’s future under the microscope. Roma are actively negotiating with Manchester United to bring Dutch striker Joshua Zirkzee back to Italy, seeing him as a better tactical fit for Gian Piero Gasperini’s system. Zirkzee’s ability to drop deep and orchestrate play suits Roma’s style, unlike the more traditional forward play Ferguson was expected to bring.
Celtic and Other Clubs Monitor Ferguson as Roma Move Nears End
The fallout from Ferguson’s struggles isn’t limited to Roma. His impending return to Brighton has sparked interest from other clubs, notably Celtic, who had reportedly targeted the Irish striker in the previous summer window. With Ferguson’s loan likely to be cut short, Celtic—along with other teams—could be poised to offer him a fresh start. His career trajectory, once marked by rapid development and Premier League breakthroughs, now faces a crucial juncture.
Ferguson’s journey has been one of early promise. He made his senior debut for Bohemians at just 14 and joined Brighton at 16, quickly earning Premier League minutes as a teenager. Notably, he became one of the few non-English players to notch ten goal involvements in the Premier League before turning 18, alongside the likes of Cesc Fabregas. At his peak, Ferguson drew interest from Chelsea and Manchester United, with Brighton reportedly valuing him at £100 million. But as the current season has shown, the reality of football development is rarely linear.
Roma manager Gasperini, asked about Ferguson’s future ahead of their Europa League tie with Celtic, offered a pragmatic view: “I think it’s too early. There are so many games that can completely change the strategies. Maybe one comes in, scores two goals, and changes everything.” Yet, the club’s actions suggest the decision is all but made—Ferguson will be sent back to Brighton to free up space and budget for new arrivals.
International Outlook: Ferguson Faces New Competition for Ireland
While Ferguson’s club situation is fraught with uncertainty, his international prospects have also shifted. Injury kept him sidelined during Ireland’s crucial World Cup qualifiers in November, giving Troy Parrott the opportunity to shine. Parrott seized the moment, scoring five goals in two matches—including a last-minute winner against Hungary that kept Ireland’s hopes alive. As former Ireland striker Clinton Morrison told the Irish Mirror, “Troy Parrott’s got the jersey now, so Ferguson is going to have to compete and take it from him.”
Morrison believes that, despite Ferguson’s talent, the forward now faces stiff competition for his place. “Even if it’s just making an impact off the bench, he needs to give the manager something to think about. Ferguson has been unlucky with injuries, but unfortunately that’s just the way football goes. He’s still a talented player and still has a big part to play.” The Ireland manager, Heimir Hallgrímsson, could choose to play both strikers together, but for now, Parrott’s form makes him undroppable ahead of the World Cup play-off semi-final against Czechia in March.
It’s a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in football. Just months ago, Ferguson was seen as Ireland’s leading striker, but now he faces the challenge of reclaiming his spot—either by rediscovering his scoring touch at club level or making an impact as a substitute on the international stage.
What’s Next for Ferguson?
The coming weeks will be pivotal for Ferguson. As Roma move to terminate his loan, his next destination remains uncertain. Brighton may offer him a fresh opportunity, or another club—perhaps Celtic—could step in to reignite his career. At the international level, the competition for Ireland’s striker position has never been fiercer, with Parrott’s rise setting a new benchmark.
For Ferguson, this is a period of reflection and resilience. The setbacks in Italy, compounded by injuries, have tested his resolve. But his early career shows he possesses the drive to adapt and overcome. Whether he finds his rhythm again in England, Scotland, or elsewhere, the football world will be watching to see if this once-lauded prodigy can turn the page and rediscover his potential.
Based on the facts, Ferguson’s situation underscores the unpredictability of football careers. Early hype and rapid progress can quickly be tempered by challenges at club and international level. How he responds to this adversity—whether by returning stronger at Brighton, earning a new chance elsewhere, or carving out a role for Ireland—will shape the next chapter of his journey.