Brighton: Teenage striker Evan Ferguson signs new contract as Roberto de Zerbi points to ‘big future’

Brighton have protected the future of young forward Evan Ferguson by extending his contract until 2029.

The Republic of Ireland striker became his club’s youngest Premier League scorer when he scored against Arsenal at 18 years and 73 days last December.

“Evan deserves this new contract and he has a very big future ahead of him,” said head coach Roberto de Zerbi.

Ferguson, Brighton’s young player of the season for 2022-23, had previously signed a contract in April keeping him at the club until 2028.

Club-mate Kaoru Mitoma also signed a new contract last month, in a deal running until 2027.

Brighton may expect interest from other clubs in Ferguson, given its impressive emergence at such a young age.

They will hope to keep him, with Ferguson having helped Brighton reach seventh in the early stages of this season, after their sixth-placed finish last term.

Ferguson joined the Seagulls from Irish club Bohemians in January 2021.