Julio Enciso reacts to Evan Ferguson after Brighton transfer plan scrapped
Brighton’s Julio Enciso will stay at the club this summer unlike team mate Evan Ferguson following a development in his transfer plans.
The Seagulls were only four points off a European spot in the Premier League last season in Fabian Hurzeler’s first campaign in charge of the club.
The German manager though has lost striker Joao Pedro, winger Simon Adingra and defender Pervis Estupinan in this window, but one player he won’t be able to sell is Enciso.
Enciso was on the list of potential departures from Brighton this summer, but the Paraguayan will now be out for three months due to a knee injury.
Ferguson looks to recapture early form
Hurzeler though has been able to send striker Ferguson out on loan, with the 20-year-old unable to recapture the form which made him a target for top clubs during the 2022/23 season.
Ferguson was sent out on loan to West Ham in the January window, but failed to net a single goal in his short spell at the Hammers under former Brighton boss Graham Potter.
The Irishman has embarked on another loan spell, this time to Serie A side Roma, and he has already got off to a blistering start in Italy as he scored four goals on his debut for the club.
Ferguson took to Instagram to share images from the beginning of pre-season, with the caption: “Pre season underway,” which was liked by Enciso.
Seagulls could lack ruthless touch
Football Insider Verdict
Brighton will be hoping Ferguson can find the excellent form which made him a sensation during his debut campaign.
The Irishman needs to regain his confidence following a disastrous time at West Ham, where he failed to reignite his career.
The Seagulls could still have a fine young striker on their hands if his loan at Roma works out, or potentially sell him for a profit next summer.
| Appearances | 68 |
| Goals | 13 |
| Assists | 3 |
After selling Pedro, 34-year-old Danny Welbeck is currently tasked with leading the line, with 18-year-old Charalampos Kostoulas and 19-year-old Stefanos Tzimas currently unproven in the Premier League.
Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott is a target, but Brighton face intense competition for the 22-year-old, who would certainly increase the Seagulls’ goal threat.
Hurzeler’s side though have won all four of their pre-season fixtures so far scoring 13 goals in the process, and they will face Southampton and Wolfsburg before their first league match against Fulham.