Hurzeler admits the top-class duo could go out on loan
Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler says he is open to Evan Ferguson and Julio Enciso leaving on loan in January.
The highly-rated duo have seen reduced game time for the Seagulls this season after returning from a long injury layoff last year.
Evan Ferguson transfer news
Ferguson is likely to be of interest to a number of Premier League teams, with links to West Ham and Bournemouth – both in need of a striker.
The Republic of Ireland international arrived on the south coast as new Hammers coach Graham Potter took over the Albion side and needed to fill the void left by injured number 9 Michail Antonio.
Bournemouth are also currently without a number 9 after Evanilson was ruled out for the rest of the season earlier this month.
“We will negotiate what is important for him, what is important for his development, where he can best improve and then we will make the decision together,” Hurzeler said of Ferguson’s future ahead of Brighton’s Premier League trip to Ipswich on Thursday.
“This decision should be the best for the player and the club. For example, we sent (Facundo) Buonanotte to Leicester.
“We know that the Premier League is a very good league to improve in because it is hard and intense, especially for young players. It’s the perfect environment to adapt.
“At the end of the day they want to play for Brighton and we want them to play for Brighton. So when they improve in the environment of the league we also play in, that is always very helpful.
“That’s why I don’t think about making the other teams better, but rather what’s best for the player.”
Ferguson has played 12 league games this season, starting just two of them, while he has only managed one goal.
News about the transfer of Julio Enciso
Encisco scored his first Brighton goal since May 2023 in the club’s 4-0 FA Cup win over Norwich on Saturday, but has also started just twice in the Premier League.
The 20-year-old has been linked with a move to Atalanta in January this year.
Hurzeler said: “Julio has value, special potential and a profile that helps us in different situations.
“He gives everything for the club because he says he really enjoys playing for Brighton and has shown that on the pitch this season.
“We are really happy to have him here, but we always have to negotiate what is the best individual development for the player.”
