Newcastle United are entering the race to sign Brighton & Hove Albion striker Evan Ferguson, who has been struggling for regular game time at the Premier League club. Ferguson, an Ireland international, has emerged as a potential target for several top-flight clubs, with Newcastle now among those interested in securing his signature. However, they face stiff competition from West Ham United, who are reportedly in advanced talks and have become the frontrunners in the chase for the young striker.
Ferguson’s situation at Brighton has been complicated by a lack of consistent game time under manager Fabián Hurzeler. Despite being highly regarded for his potential, Ferguson has found it difficult to break into the starting XI this season, featuring for just 269 minutes across all competitions so far. Brighton’s management has expressed the expectation that Ferguson needs to show more consistency in training to earn more first-team opportunities. As a result, the club is reportedly open to loaning out the talented forward in January to give him more playing time, with the possibility of a permanent transfer if a suitable offer is made.
The asking price for Ferguson is said to be around £60 million, which reflects his potential and the interest from some of the biggest clubs in the Premier League. Newcastle, however, might face challenges in negotiating a deal for him, as Brighton are unlikely to want to sell one of their most promising players to a direct rival for European qualification. With both clubs looking to secure a place in the top half of the table and potentially qualify for European competitions, Brighton could be cautious about strengthening a rival like Newcastle.
Along with Newcastle, other Premier League giants are reportedly monitoring Ferguson’s situation. Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City, and Arsenal have all shown interest in the young forward, further intensifying the competition for his services. Despite this, West Ham have taken the lead in talks, and it is believed that their progress in negotiations has put them in pole position to land the player. Their strong interest may stem from their own need to bolster their attacking options and add depth to their squad.
For Newcastle, the potential signing of Ferguson could be seen as a long-term investment in their attacking options. Although they have recently welcomed back Callum Wilson after a long-term injury, there are concerns about his fitness. Wilson has struggled to maintain fitness over the past seasons, and with his contract set to expire next summer, Newcastle may be looking for a reliable, long-term solution up front. There are also questions about whether Wilson will be able to stay fit and contribute consistently for the remainder of the season, making a new signing even more pressing.
Aside from Wilson, Newcastle’s attacking options are limited. Alexander Isak is the only other out-and-out striker currently at the club, and while Isak has been a solid performer, there is a need for more depth in the forward department. Will Osula, who joined from Sheffield United over the summer, has barely featured, making Ferguson an attractive option to provide competition for Isak and to eventually take over from the aging Wilson.
Newcastle’s interest in Ferguson also highlights their ambition to continue building a competitive squad capable of challenging for European spots in the Premier League. The club’s ownership, led by the Saudi Public Investment Fund, has already made significant investments in players, and Ferguson could be another piece in their long-term plans. However, they will need to act quickly and decisively if they are to fend off the competition from West Ham and other Premier League rivals.
While Ferguson’s future at Brighton remains uncertain, his potential as a highly rated young striker has caught the attention of several top clubs. Whether Newcastle can secure his services or whether West Ham manage to seal the deal will depend on a variety of factors, including Brighton’s willingness to do business in January and whether they feel comfortable letting a player of Ferguson’s quality leave mid-season. With so many clubs vying for his signature, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining where the promising striker will play his football next.
