Report: 19-year-old Chelsea target does not have a release clause at Premier League club after new contract

Evan Ferguson lacks a release clause in new Brighton deal amid Chelsea interest

According to Athletic, Chelsea FC’s pursuit of Evan Ferguson could be in jeopardy after the striker’s new contract with Brighton & Hove Albion doesn’t include a release clause.

The 19-year-old signed a new contract in April, which runs until 2028. With another improved deal, the Ferguson contract is now valid until June 2029. One of Europe’s finest prospects, he is now unlikely to come cheap.

The Ireland international has blossomed into a renowned forward and has scored five goals in 11 matches this season, including a hat-trick. He has also made an immediate impact on the national team, scoring three goals in eight caps.

Evan Ferguson lacks a release clause in new Brighton deal amid Chelsea interest . (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images)
Evan Ferguson has scored five goals this season. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images)

Top teams are quick to invest in such gifted players, and Ferguson’s development at Brighton has gone seamlessly. Despite his young age, he has demonstrated that he will be a contender for the Golden Boot in a few seasons.

Many Premier League clubs are already keeping an eye on his performance at Brighton. Chelsea, Tottenham, and Manchester United have sounded out their interest, and the Seagulls have also revealed how much they will ask for the youngster. Brighton will listen to offers above £100 million.

Chelsea have always been the first club to invest in a talented youngster. But dealing with Brighton over their players’ negotiations is a headache, given how they stretch the talks.

Evan Ferguson lacks a release clause in new Brighton deal amid Chelsea interest .  (Photo by Tom Dulat/Getty Images)
Evan Ferguson doesn’t have a release clause in his new contract with Brighton. (Photo by Tom Dulat/Getty Images)

They now have a huge advantage in paying a high price for him if they so want because they have removed the release clause. If he had included a condition in his contract, he may have been signed for a set fee, and it might have been straightforward. However, the Blues would be better off spending money on a seasoned striker. Ferguson is still developing as a centre forward, and it will take him many seasons to reach that stage of quality.

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Our primary goal right now is to sign Victor Osimhen, who is definitely the striker we need. Since we already have two young players, Armando Broja and Nicolas Jackson, let’s hope we prioritise signing the Nigerian forward.