Leeds United are in the market for a Premier League striker this summer, with experience and quality vital to survival in that role.
The reality is that Leeds United need reliable and consistent output in attack for the Premier League. Patrick Bamford cannot be relied upon any more at this stage in his career.
Even if Bamford has looked fantastic in pre-season footage so far, they have to source a number-nine due to Joel Piroe not suiting the role, Mateo Joseph being so inexperienced, and Lukas Nmecha also having injury concerns of his own.
One potential option is Brighton and Hove Albion’s Evan Ferguson, with Leeds long-term admirers of the Irish centre-forward. The 20-year-old could be available and could be headed elsewhere.
Leicester City FC v Brighton & Hove Albion FC - Premier League
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Leeds target Evan Ferguson could be available, Micah Richards has branded him a “superstar”
Don Goodman explained how and why Ferguson was valued at £100 million not long ago, and also as ‘perfect’ for Leeds — but that is in the Championship.
It’s unclear if he can cut it and fulfill his enormous potential. However, he is an intriguing option in terms of his physical profile for such a young player.
Previously, he was linked with a move to Chelsea for £80 million but Ferguson’s recent form has only depreciated his value of late, which could make him more attainable for a team like Leeds.
Other reports state Ferguson could be as little as £28 million now and that he could be allowed to leave Brighton permanently after a disastrous loan with West Ham United.
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Ferguson has been linked with Leeds again this summer as previous reports revealed how Ferguson was on Leeds’ three-striker shortlist after falling out of favour at Brighton.
Fabrizio Romano has since revealed that Serie A giants AS Roma are now in the race for Ferguson. He is one of the options under consideration at Roma as a striker.
Perhaps most interestingly for Leeds, it’s been reiterated how Brighton are open to a potential exit for Ferguson this summer.
Micah Richards once called Ferguson a “superstar” when speaking on Match of The Day via the BBC. He said: “Ferguson’s going to be a real star. He’s a superstar.
“There’s something in his play, he’s so mature the way he links up, the way he takes his chances. Everything about him I love. He’s natural – and 18 years old.”
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke clapping after a Championship game against Portsmouth.
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Could Evan Ferguson be the answer for Leeds in the Premier League?
The reality is that Leeds need a more experienced and oven-ready striker next term. Ferguson has been more than just promising in the past, as Richards detailed in 2023, but he has not kicked on at all in 2024/25.
Leeds cannot afford to have a half-baked centre-forward in the Premier League when survival is paramount to their short and long-term ambitions. Developing players is not the club’s current remit, but one’s ready to hit the ground running.
Team Appearances Goals Assists
Bohemians 6 0 0
Brighton U-23/U-21 39 18 3
Brighton 80 17 6
West Ham 7 0 0
Ireland 20 5 1
Evan Ferguson’s career record (all comps)
Leeds absolutely should acquire some younger players this summer, especially to develop them into assets. However, their priority should largely centre around the peak-age bracket and making signings that they know can impact the team instantly.
Not getting the striker right is a dangerous game and playing with the survival of the club in the top flight, no matter how much potential they may have.