Ex-Man Utd target tipped to break British transfer record is now worth a fraction of the price

A former transfer target of Manchester United and Chelsea was tipped to break the British record but is now worth a fraction of the price.

This summer, the British transfer record was broken by Liverpool after they agreed a deal to sign Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz.

It has been claimed that the deal could be worth as much as £116.5 million, which will beat the current record of £115 million paid by Chelsea when they signed Moises Caicedo from Brighton and Hove Albion.

Back in 2024, Brighton striker Evan Ferguson was being linked with the likes of United and Chelsea.

As reported by talkSPORT, Ferguson was being priced at more than the £115 million Chelsea paid for Caicedo, having signed a new contract in November 2023.

At the time, United and Tottenham Hotspur were also being linked with the striker.

Evan Ferguson had a spell at West Ham United during the 24/25 season. Image: Getty

However, Ferguson made just three starts during the 24/25 season and scored his only goal against Wolverhampton Wanderers in October 2024.

As a result of his recent struggles, Ferguson, 20, is now only valued at €25 million by Transfermarkt.

This week, the Irishman was linked with a move to Italian Serie A side AS Roma.

A report by The Athletic read: "AS Roma are working on a deal to sign Brighton forward Evan Ferguson on loan.

"While no agreement has been reached, Roma are hopeful of landing the 20-year-old Republic of Ireland international, who spent the second half of last season on loan at West Ham United."

Evan Ferguson has now been linked with AS Roma. Image: Getty

It has been suggested that Roma are on the lookout for a new striker after Tammy Abraham joined Turkish Super Lig side Besiktas on loan for the 25/26 season.

The report also stated that Abraham's loan deal will be made permanent if certain conditions are met.

Roma will be under new leadership in the upcoming season as Gian Piero Gasperini looks to make an instant impact.

Last season, Roma finished fifth in Serie A, securing a place in the Europa League.