Latest news with #EvanFerguson
Irish Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
Italian media in a frenzy over Evan Ferguson's four-goal display
It's times like these where you long for the return of Gazzetta Football Italia, that iconic Channel 4 show that beamed the best of Serie A into Irish and UK living rooms in the 1990s. James Richardson's newspaper review - where the show's presenter would sit outside a cafe and go through the big stories of the week - was one of the highlights of the wildly popular highlights show. Oh for a return of that segment so that Richardson could run through the headlines marking Evan Ferguson's arrival and his sensational first appearance in Roma colours. Fair enough, it was a behind-closed-doors friendly against a team from Serie D. But what's the saying? You can only play what's in front of you. And you will be hard pressed to find a better way to settle into a new environment than with four goals and an assist. And after just a day training with his new teammates, Ferguson's link-up play at this early stage shows great promise ahead of the tougher tests that are to come. He combined well with Paulo Dybala, and teed up the Argentine World Cup winner for his goal in the 9-0 rout. Roma have Kaiserslautern on Saturday, then French sides Cannes and Lens, and finally Premier League duo Aston Villa and Everton, before their Serie A opener at home to Bologna on August 23. That's when Ferguson will truly come under the microscope. But already the Italian media are drooling over the Ireland striker. Here's where we need Richardson. One of his favourites was Corriere dello Sport and their first report on a Ferguson performance was glowing. Evan Ferguson scores for Roma against Uni Pomezia (Image: Luciano Rossi/AS Roma via Getty Images) 'The star performer is undoubtedly Evan Ferguson,' writes reporter Jacopo Aliprandi. 'He scored four of the nine goals with which Roma won the second friendly by a landslide, to which he added an assist.' He adds: 'Given that this friendly match was only seen by the accredited press, the fans' curiosity to understand and see the actions of the new arrival Ferguson is great. Four goals and an assist are a calling card that, at the very least, gives us hope.' Francesco Balzani of Gazzetta dello Sport, another Richardson staple, intros his report with: 'Four goals and an assist from the Irish striker in his first with the Giallorossi, in the test against the Serie D club.' He continues: 'Evan Ferguson made his debut today with the Roma shirt in the friendly against UniPomezia. And it was a debut with a bang: four goals and an assist for Dybala in the 9-0 defeat given by the Giallorossi to the team that plays in Serie D. 'Soft test, but the signals coming from Gasp's team are encouraging. With particular reference to Ferguson who scored a hat-trick in less than half an hour and showed all the qualities seen so far in his short career. 'The Irishman, who arrived from Brighton just two days ago and with only one real training session under his belt, broke the deadlock in the match with a powerful header from Dybala's cross… 'With the Argentine, Ferguson has shown that he already has a good understanding.' Evan Ferguson scores for Roma against Uni Pomezia (Image: Luciano Rossi/AS Roma via Getty Images) Michael Di Chiaro of Goal writes: 'The great protagonist of the friendly match which Roma easily won was Evan Ferguson himself, author of four goals and an assist to Dybala.' These are just a few of the early reports on Ferguson's first outing in a Roma shirt. Bring back James Richardson and Gazzetta Football Italia. Or even better, send me to Rome with an expense budget for a season-long supply of coffees, ice creams and newspapers. Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email .
Irish Independent
9 hours ago
- Sport
- Irish Independent
‘He will not only grow as a player, he will grow as a person' – Brighton boss sets Roma challenge to Evan Ferguson
Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has told Ireland striker Evan Ferguson to make the most of his loan move to Roma and become a better player to prove he has a future with the Premier League club.
Irish Times
9 hours ago
- Sport
- Irish Times
Evan Ferguson following in muddied footsteps of Irish abroad with move to Roma
Evan Ferguson 's loan move to Roma was well-received by fans in the Italian capital this week. After a poor season blighted by injuries back in England, with only one goal in 21 Premier League appearances (albeit mostly off the bench), Irish fans should be similarly delighted to see him leave for the continent. It remains to be seen just how the transfer will work out for the Bettystown man though, as Irish players have a mixed record in Europe in recent years. Gavin Bazunu Age: 23 Position: Goalkeeper READ MORE European club: Standard Liege (on loan) Current club: Southampton Having recovered from an ACL injury only to find that his spot had been filled by Aaron Ramsdale, Bazunu departed on loan to Belgium in February. After a positive start to life in Europe, Bazunu again suffered a knee injury after just eight games and the loan spell was terminated so that he could recover at Southampton. He may find himself in the team this season, with the Saints now back in the Championship, but he will have to maintain fitness and move to a higher level if he wants to add to his 22 Ireland caps. Bazunu saving a penalty from Cristiano Ronaldo during his spell as Ireland's number one 'keeper. Photograph: Ryan Byrne/Inpho Callum O'Dowda Age: 30 Position: Left back, left-winger European club: Ferencváros (2025-) Current club: Ferencváros With over 250 Championship appearances and 31 caps for Ireland, O'Dowda has taken something of a risk this summer by moving to Hungary to play under Robbie Keane at Ferencváros. In his first game at the club, O'Dowda scored in their Champions League qualification win against FC Noah, a bright start to life with the Hungarian league winners. Jake O'Brien Age: 24 Position: Centre back, right back European clubs: RWDM Brussels (on loan), Lyon Current club: Everton The poster boy for the Irish in Europe. Signing from Cork City to Crystal Palace, O'Brien then went on loan to Belgian outfit RWDM Brussels, previously known as RWD Molenbeek, where he was a vital part of their promotion to the Belgian top flight in 2023. Lyon took a punt on the Irish defender, buying him for €1m at the end of that season. Their dreadful start to the 23/24 season meant O'Brien was drafted in, coinciding with an uptick in form for the French giants and 27 Ligue 1 games and four goals later, Everton signed O'Brien for €19m. His rise was stopped there temporarily as manager Sean Dyche seemed unconvinced by the Irishman, but when Dyche was replaced by David Moyes, O'Brien became a mainstay for the resurgent Toffees. Previously a centre back (and standing at 6ft 6in), O'Brien has mainly been used at right-back by the Scotsman, playing 20 games last season. Andrew Omobamidele Age: 23 Position: Centre back, right back European club: Strasbourg (2025-) Current club: Strasbourg Left Nottingham Forest for Strasbourg on a permanent basis this summer for €8m, after playing 10 times in Ligue 1 in a loan spell at the end of last season. Only played 16 Premier League games after signing to Forest in 2023. Last season, Strasbourg finished seventh and qualified for the Uefa Conference League, but Omobamidele conceded a penalty on the final day that cost them Europa League football. James Abankwah Age: 21 Position: Centre back, right back European club: Udinese (2022-) Current club: Watford (on loan from Udinese) Moved from St Patrick's Athletic to Udinese in 2022 for €400k. A loan move back to Pat's followed, then to Charlton. Although he was linked to a return to Ireland after playing only eight games in Serie A before, he was loaned to sister club Watford in January 2025. He played in 19 games and has been signed to the club again on loan after a very successful finish to the season. Has still played more games in the Irish league than any other. Matt Doherty Age: 33 Position: Right back, right wing back European club: Atlético Madrid (2023) Current club: Wolves Doherty's 10-year spell at Wolves saw him become a key player in their Premier League side after promotion in 2017. His move to Tottenham did not work out as planned, never really becoming a starter at the London club. His decision to depart for Atlético Madrid in January 2023 on a free transfer has to be seen as a bizarre aberration, only making two appearances for the Spanish giants. It was suggested that manager Diego Simeone was not behind the transfer, and he was let go that summer for free back to Wolves, where he has played more than 350 games. Joe Hodge Age: 22 Position: Defensive midfield European club: CD Tondela (2025-) Current club: CD Tondela Manchester-born Hodge came through City's renowned academy and was one of Ireland's best performers at the under-19 Euros in 2019. Only 17 at the time, Hodge scored a screamer in the opener, and showed ability on the ball in midfield. A move to Wolves only led to six Premier League appearances, and loan moves to the Championship and League One followed. Hodge departed the midlands club for Portugal this summer, joining top-flight newcomers Tondela. He may find that his diminutive frame and technical skills are more suited to continental football. Limited opportunities at Wolves have led Hodge to try and find more game time in Portugal. Photograph:Josh Cullen Age: 29 Position: Central midfield European club: RSC Anderlecht (2020-22) Current club: Burnley Perhaps Ireland's main central midfielder of the decade so far, it was a move to the continent that kick-started Cullen's prospects. Only played 10 games for his boyhood club West Ham, and in 2020 he moved to Belgian giants Anderlecht for €500k. This was money well-spent, as he played 80 games for the side in less than two years, before following his manager Vincent Kompany to Burnley. In his first year back in England, Cullen won the Championship and the club's players' player of the year award. Played 44 games last season as Burnley returned to the top flight. John Patrick Finn Age: 21 Position: Central midfield European clubs: Stade de Reims (2025-), Getafe (2020-25) Current club: Stade de Reims Slightly different from others on this list, Finn has never played in Ireland or Britain, having been born and raised in Spain. The midfielder played 10 games for Getafe in La Liga, before moving to Stade de Reims in Ligue 1 in January this year, where Irish underage international Ike Orazi also plays. The lanky midfielder played 13 Ligue 1 games, but his new side were relegated to Ligue 2. He also came on for 15 minutes in the French Cup Final, as Reims lost to PSG. Finn received his first senior cap against Luxembourg in June. John Patrick Finn will be playing in Ligue 2 next year with Stade de Reims. Photograph: Jean Francois Monier/AFP via Getty Festy Ebosele Age: 22 Position: Right back, right winger European clubs: Udinese (2022-25), Istanbul Basaksehir Current club: Istanbul Basaksehir Hailing from Enniscorthy, Ebosele first garnered attention as a bright light in a Derby County side relegated from the Championship, before Udinese picked him up in 2022. After a decent first season, Ebosele pushed on in his second, playing 31 Serie A games on the right flank, either in midfield or defence. However, Udinese decided to loan him to sister club Watford the following summer, and after a bright start to life in England, he was recalled and sold to Istanbul Basaksehir. In Turkey he has only played seven games, averaging less than 20 minutes per appearance. Kevin Zefi Age: 20 Position: Left winger, attacking midfielder European clubs: Inter Milan (2021-24), Roma (2025-) Current club: Roma Zefi arrived in Italy after impressing underage for Shamrock Rovers and Ireland. He joined up with Inter's underage side, but despite some impressive performances in youth leagues, Zefi moved to Roma last year. He is unlikely to link up with Ferguson though, after telling The Independent that 'it's time to get out of Italy' this week. Recently scored in a trial game for Sligo Rovers against Mansfield. Troy Parrott Age: 23 Position: Centre forward European clubs: Excelsior Rotterdam (2023-24), AZ Alkmaar (2024-) Current club: AZ Alkmaar Parrott was a highly rated youngster at Spurs, but failed to impress in his loan spells in the Championship and League One. In 2023 he went on loan to Excelsior Rotterdam in the Eredivisie. Although they were relegated, Parrott stood out that season with 10 goals in the league, followed up by two hat-tricks in the four promotion/relegation playoff games. AZ Alkmaar brought him back to the Netherlands for €4m, where he was the joint-third top scorer in the Eredivisie last year, with 14 goals, and also bagged four in the Europa League.
The Sun
12 hours ago
- Sport
- The Sun
Transfer news LIVE: Isak ‘wants to consider options', Liverpool CONFIRM Ekitike, Ten Hag ‘monitoring' Sterling
Going to go Fer Evan Ferguson wants to take Roma into the Champions League after joining from Brighton. The Irish striker, 20, has joined the Italian side on loan for a season with a view to a £33million move next summer. Ferguson has struggled for form and fitness in recent years and failed to score after joining West Ham on loan for the second half of last season. He said: 'When you have a club like Roma, one of the biggest in Europe, interested, it's hard to turn down, and especially when you feel like they want you to come here and explain how good it could be for you, your career and the club. 'For me it's a good opportunity. Obviously it's a big club and we want to finish as high as we can. 'When I came in we were talking about sort of Champions League targets and getting back up there so I think that's the expectation for this season.' Brighton left-back Pervis Estupinian is also in Italy ahead of a £17.5m move to join Serie A giants AC Milan. The 27-year-old joined the Seagulls from Villarreal in 2022 and will sign a five-year deal in Milan.
Free Malaysia Today
13 hours ago
- Sport
- Free Malaysia Today
Brighton's Irish forward Ferguson seeks Roman revival in loan move
Evan Ferguson joined Brighton in January 2021 at the age of 16 and made his senior debut in August that year. (EPA Images pic) ROME : Ireland striker Evan Ferguson has joined AS Roma on a season-long loan from Brighton & Hove Albion, the Serie A club said today, with the 20-year-old looking to kick-start his career after a couple of uninspiring seasons. 'Roma are delighted to announce the signing of Evan Ferguson from Brighton & Hove Albion. Ferguson will join Roma on loan with an option to buy,' Roma said in a statement. Ferguson joined Brighton from Irish club Bohemians in January 2021 at the age of 16, making his senior debut in August of that year under Graham Potter. The 2022-23 campaign marked his breakthrough, with Ferguson scoring 10 goals in 25 appearances across all competitions and earning his senior debut for Ireland. But injuries soon disrupted his momentum. A cruciate ligament tear cut short his 2023-24 season, a campaign where Ferguson netted a hattrick against Newcastle United in September but saw him struggle to hold down a regular starting place under Roberto De Zerbi. Last season, after failing to impress new Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler, Ferguson went on loan to West Ham United in February, making only one start in eight goalless appearances under former Brighton manager Potter. Ferguson will now look to revive his form under Roma's new manager Gian Piero Gasperini, who previously transformed Atalanta from relegation contenders into a top four Serie A side – while also rejuvenating the careers of numerous players. Gasperini's record of turning inconsistent strikers – including Duvan Zapata, Luis Muriel, Ademola Lookman and Gianluca Scamacca – into prolific scorers offers real hope for Ferguson as he seeks a fresh start in the Italian capital. There has certainly been plenty of optimism in Rome around Ferguson's arrival, with Monday's Il Romanista newspaper featuring the striker on the front page alongside the headline 'The Irishman'. Ferguson looked taken aback on Sunday as he arrived at Ciampino airport, where a large group of Roma fans were already chanting his name and clamouring for autographs, all before he had even completed his medical or signed a contract.
