Evan Ferguson is expected to go on loan (Image: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire)
Evan Ferguson is expected to go on loan (Image: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire)
Albion’s squad numbers are out for the new season.
And they include some players who may move on this summer.
The list includes Evan Ferguson, whose absence from the squad printed on the recent match programme for friendlies against Bologna and Roma was widely noted.
Ferguson has No.28 although there is growing expectation he will head out on loan.
The Republic of Ireland centre-forward is currently rehabbing after ankle surgery and has been strongly linked with loan interest from Genoa.
He attended the recent friendly against Roma, with whom he spent last summer and half the season on loan.
Ferguson looked very lean and fit as he spoke with Roma conditioning staff at the Amex.
But his ankle issue has put his blossoming career on hold.
Reports suggest Genoa would be happy to take him, even though they would have to wait for him to be available for Serie A action.
Their head coach is Daniele De Rossi, who was in charge at Roma at the time of their Europa League tie with the Seagulls two-and-a-half years ago.
While De Rossi did not work with Ferguson at Roma, it is possible he has connections with staff at the Giallorossi.
Albion gave their attacking resources a big boost when they signed Promise David – a player in Ferguson’s mould in some ways – as a genuine No.9 this week.
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David is on loan for the season with an obligation for a full transfer if certain conditions are met.
There would appear at this early stage every chance that will indeed become more permanent in a £22 million deal.
Social media posts from his parent club Royal Union St-Gilloise certainly had a strong farewell feel to them.
Squad numbers are otherwise in line with what was seen in pre-season.