Evan Ferguson signs new long-term deal with Brighton

Brighton have announced striker Evan Ferguson has signed a new long-term contract until 2028.

The 18-year-old, who joined the Seagulls from Irish club Bohemians in January 2021, has scored nine times in all competitions this season, including four in the Premier League.

Ferguson also got a first senior goal for the Republic of Ireland in last month's friendly against Latvia.

De Zerbi said on the club's website: "Evan's contract extension is great news.

"He trains and plays like a senior player with many years of experience and has become an important member of the squad. The aim is to help him become one of the strongest strikers in Europe."

The terms of the extension are understood to reward Ferguson's recent progress and De Zerbi believes Brighton is the best place for the teenager to develop amid reported interest from rival Premier League clubs.

"It's very important news," the coach said of the contract. "He can improve a lot with us.

"In Brighton, there are the right conditions for the young players and he's still 18. We have to not forget that.

"He's playing very well. With the Man United (game), it was bad for us without him because he has different qualities, he can give us different solutions in the last 20, 30 metres.

"I don't want to take any risks with him. We have another nine games and maybe he can be important for the last eight, if there is some risk (against Forest)."