Brighton secure huge five-year contract extension in transfer blow to Man Utd, Chelsea | OneFootball

Evan Ferguson has committed his future to Brighton, meaning he is extremely unlikely to join Manchester United or Chelsea this summer.

Ireland striker Ferguson has impressed for the Seagulls this term and has been linked with a move elsewhere as a result.

He joined the south coast club from Irish outfit Bohemians in 2021, making his Albion debut in the 2-1 FA Cup victory over West Brom in January 2022.

The 18-year-old did not feature consistently in the Premier League until this season, however.

Ferguson took his chance off the bench in a top-flight match against Arsenal last December, scoring in the 4-2 home defeat before making it two in two a few days later.

In 19 appearances across all competitions this season, the teenager has found the back of the net eight times while notching three assists.

And Brighton have rewarded Ferguson with a new long-term contract that will last until the summer of 2028.

A Seagulls club statement read: ‘We’re delighted to announce that striker Evan Ferguson has committed his long-term future to the club by signing a contract that runs until 2028.

‘The 18-year-old has enjoyed a breakthrough season, scoring nine goals in all competitions including four in the Premier League. He also scored his first goal for the Republic of Ireland last month in a friendly against Latvia.’

Brighton head coach Roberto De Zerbi said: “Evan’s contract extension is great news. He trains and plays like a senior player with many years of experience and has become an important member of the squad.

“The aim is to help him become one of the strongest strikers in Europe.”

Ferguson missed Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final defeat to Manchester United with an ankle injury that could also rule him out of Wednesday’s league clash at Nottingham Forest.

News of the youngster’s contract extension is less than ideal for the Red Devils and Chelsea.

Both clubs have been linked with Ferguson in recent months as Erik ten Hag and whoever replaces Graham Potter at Stamford Bridge look to bring in an out-and-out No. 9.

Chelsea have spent around £600million in the last two transfer windows but do not have a natural striker to show for all of that cash.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was signed last summer but has since been ostracised and can’t get a sniff.

Meanwhile, Romelu Lukaku is out on loan at Inter Milan after an indifferent 2021-22 campaign. At least Christoper Nkunku – another forward who isn’t a natural striker – is joining this summer!

Ferguson would have been a top signing for the Blues or United – but he will cost an arm and a leg if he is to move this year.

Writing about the 18-year-old’s contract extension on Twitter, transfer expert Ben Jacobs said ‘several clubs’ have been tracking him.

However, Brighton had ‘no intention’ to let him leave this summer and are obviously very happy he has signed a new contract after making it ‘clear for some time’ they wanted to offer improved terms.