For months now speculation about Evan Ferguson's future at Brighton has been rife, with reports and rumours linking him to clubs across England's top flight since he announced his desire to leave Brighton in January.
While until now it was expected that Ferguson's departure would be on a loan basis and likely see him remain in the Premier League, multiple reports in the past 24 hours are suggesting otherwise.
On Monday, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano revealed that Ferguson's departure from Brighton on loan was imminent and that there was also Bundesliga and Ligue 1 clubs entering the fray to acquire the Irishman's services.
Reports coming from France had also suggested that Olympique Marseille had thrown their hat in the ring, while Arsenal, West Ham and Fulham all remained interested in Ferguson.
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17 November 2024; Evan Ferguson of Republic of Ireland before the UEFA Nations League B Group 2 match between England and Republic of Ireland at Wembley Stadium in London, England. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
German giants join race to sign Ferguson
However, according to reports breaking on Tuesday afternoon, Bundesliga title contenders Bayer Leverkusen have emerged as the favourites to sign the 20-year-old striker, with Mark McAdam revealing that his representatives had entered talks with the German outfit.
The links come as speculation mounts that Bayer Leverkusen's current talisman Victor Boniface could be set for a move to Saudi Arabia, with Ferguson in all likelihood being targeted as his replacement.
While Bayer Leverkusen may be leading the race for Ferguson, by all accounts they still face stiff competition both from within the Premier League and outside it. As recently as Tuesday morning, Sky Sports revealed that West Ham had made contact with Brighton over the player's availability, with a number of other Premier League clubs remaining interested in the Bettystown native.
Similarly, it's believed that Marseille has a serious interest in singing Evan Ferguson, with Roberto De Zerbi who Ferguson worked with at Brighton currently in charge there. Ferguson has also worked under new West Ham boss Graham Potter, who originally brought him to Brighton.
Elsewhere, The Athletic are also reporting that contrary that if the conditions are right for both the player and club Brighton would be willing to sell Ferguson permanently.
While it's unclear how close a deal is, a move to Bayer Leverkusen who are currently second in the Bundesliga would mark a massive opportunity for Ferguson to return to scoring ways at the very elite level of European football.
