Brighton and Hove Albion’s CEO says Premier League giants Manchester United should not expect to sign Evan Ferguson until ‘at least five years’ time’.
Amid near-constant comparisons with a certain Bayern Munich superstar, there was certainly something very Harry Kane-like about the way Evan Ferguson lathered the icing on top of Brighton’s 4-1 hammering of Luton Town on Saturday.
Shortly after hitting the post with a sumptuous curling shot, the Republic of Ireland international found himself in the right place at the right time again; converting classily from close range. Still two months out from his 19th birthday, Ferguson already feels like the finished article. A centre-forward with the awareness, the confidence and the ruthlessness of one ten years his senior.
No wonder Manchester United – among others – have taken an interest (Daily Mail). No wonder Brighton are determined to retain Ferguson’s services for the forseeable future and beyond.
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Manchester United like Brighton’s Evan Ferguson
“In Evan’s case, it’ll be in at least five years’ time (before we consider selling),” Brighton CEO Paul Barber tells talkSPORT (15 August, 10am) after confirming Moises Caicedo’s £115 million move to Chelsea.
According to Sky Sports, Brighton believe there is no reason why Ferguson cannot join Caicedo in the £100 million club should he maintain his current rate of progress. In just 10 Premier League starts, the teenager has scored seven goals already.
“I love everything about him, what I’ve seen,” Alan Shearer – the Premier League’s all-time record goalscorer – said on Match of the Day following Brighton’s Luton hammering (12 August, 10.30pm).
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“The hold-up play, his desire to get into the box, his strength. Very impressive.”
Rasmus Hojlund debut incoming
Manchester United, meanwhile, have already brought in a potentially elite-level centre-forward of their own this summer. £64 million signing Rasmus Hojlund will, however, have to wait for his top-flight debut.
Injury ruled the Dane out of Monday’s unconvincing 1-0 win over Wolves at Old Trafford. Raphael Varane scored a later winner as United survived a scare against Gary O’Neil’s team; Andre Onana shining on his competitive debut for the Red Devils.