Liverpool legend John Aldridge believes a move to Anfield would be too much too soon for Brighton and Hove Albion’s Premier League starlet Evan Ferguson.
Roberto de Zerbi’s Europa League-bound Seagulls are renowned for bringing fresh-faced talent to the Amex from far and wide; from Belgium to Paraguay, the Netherlands to Ecuador.
Arguably the Premier League’s most exciting teenager racked up relatively few air miles, however, when he sealed his own move to Brighton back in January 2021.
Evan Ferguson played only three senior games for Bohemians before crossing the Irish sea two years ago. Now, with his 19th birthday still a number of months away, a record of 10 goals in just 14 starts in all competitions suggests that Brighton may have struck gold with yet another gem of a signing.
“I really like what I’ve seen from this 18-year-old,” Liverpool icon and former Republic of Ireland international Aldridge tells the Sunday World.
“He could be the striker Ireland have been waiting for since Robbie Keane’s retirement.
“Ferguson holds the ball up well, makes intelligent runs. (He) has a great touch and is pretty clinical when chances come his way. (He) could transform Ireland’s fortunes.”
Liverpool once missed out on Brighton striker Evan Ferguson
Ferguson signed a new, long-term contract a few weeks back. That has not put a cork in speculation surrounding his future, however; long-time admirers Liverpool reportedly still keen on a man who had a trial on Merseyside before opting for Brighton instead (90Min).
Aldridge, however, believes Ferguson would be better off staying put for the time being; Brighton offering the sort of regular first-team football that would be far-from guaranteed in the north west.
“There are suggestions that Manchester United and Liverpool are among the clubs looking at Ferguson. I can see why he is on their radars,” Aldridge adds.
Yet I would advise the lad to stay at Brighton for now; get a full season of Premier League football under his belt, and the big move will come if he continues on his current path.
“If he was to join Liverpool, he probably wouldn’t get into the starting line-up most weeks. This important development phase of his career would be halted.
“That is not what Ferguson needs at this point in his career. Being a part of a very exciting Brighton side could be the perfect platform for him to launch at great career.”
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