Roma transfer news: Giallorossi eye Ferguson, monitor Hojlund

Roma transfer news is accelerating as the Serie A club positions itself for a critical January window that could define the remainder of José Mourinho’s campaign. With Tammy Abraham out long-term and summer arrival Sardar Azmoun away at the Asian Cup, the capital side have opened formal discussions with Brighton & Hove Albion over a six-month loan for 19-year-old sensation Evan Ferguson, while keeping an attentive watch on Manchester United’s out-of-form front-man Rasmus Hojlund.

Roma transfer news drives pursuit of Evan Ferguson

Ferguson is viewed inside Trigoria as a modern No. 9 who can combine the penalty-box instincts of a classic striker with the link-up play Mourinho craves. Despite limited Premier League minutes since September, the Republic of Ireland international boasts six league goals this season, including a hat-trick against Newcastle. Roma transfer news insiders confirm that sporting director Tiago Pinto has made initial contact with Brighton, proposing a straight loan with an option—not an obligation—to buy in June.

Brighton, protective of a player they value at €80 million, are reluctant to insert a permanent clause. Yet the Seagulls recognise that regular Serie A football and Europa League exposure could accelerate Ferguson’s development. Negotiations will hinge on a modest loan fee and a clear pathway for game time, with Roma stressing that the striker would immediately compete for starts alongside Paulo Dybala and Romelu Lukaku.

Brighton’s stance and financial considerations

Roberto De Zerbi has repeatedly insisted Ferguson remains part of his long-term project on the south coast. However, Brighton’s model is built on selling high, and a successful stint in Rome could dramatically inflate the teenager’s resale value. Roma transfer news sources suggest the Giallorossi would cover Ferguson’s full wages—around €25,000 per week—while paying a loan premium of approximately €5 million.

UEFA’s new Squad Cost Control rules also influence the dialogue. Roma must balance the books after posting a €219 million loss over the past three seasons. A low-risk loan fits their financial framework, allowing Mourinho to strengthen without committing significant funds until summer.

Alternative target: Rasmus Hojlund remains on radar

While the Ferguson deal is the immediate priority, Roma transfer news also links the club to Hojlund, whose turbulent adaptation at Manchester United has yielded one Premier League goal in 14 appearances. The Danish forward is admired by Mourinho for his pace in transition, but any approach is complicated by United’s £72 million outlay last summer and the Premier League side’s internal belief that the 20-year-old will flourish once the team finds consistency.

Nevertheless, the possibility of a late-window loan has not been dismissed. Roma are encouraged by the rapport between the Friedkin ownership group and United’s new minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who has signalled a willingness to loan young talent if it aids their development. Should talks with Brighton collapse, Tiago Pinto could pivot to a short-term proposal for Hojlund, potentially sharing wages with the English giants.

Why Roma need a new striker now

Lukaku’s fitness has improved, yet Mourinho remains cautious about overworking the Belgian after last year’s injury-hit season at Chelsea and Inter. Andrea Belotti, though industrious, has scored just twice in the league, while young striker Edoardo Soleri lacks top-flight experience. Roma transfer news analysts therefore regard a fresh front-line option as non-negotiable if the club is to secure Champions League qualification.

The tactical objective is clear: a mobile centre-forward who presses from the front and relieves Dybala of creative overload. Ferguson’s ability to drop deep and knit play suits Roma’s 3-4-2-1 blueprint, while Hojlund’s speed behind the defensive line offers a different profile. Either addition would free Lukaku to rest during congested weeks and provide a plan B when chasing games.

Ferguson vs. Hojlund: Stats at a glance

• Ferguson – 1,044 Premier League minutes, 6 goals, 2.34 shots on target per 90
• Hojlund – 1,147 Premier League minutes, 1 goal, 0.98 shots on target per 90
• Ferguson – 0.39 non-penalty xG per 90; Hojlund – 0.28
• Ferguson – passes completed 78%; Hojlund – 71%

Roma transfer news scouts emphasise Ferguson’s superior finishing metrics and hold-up play, whereas Hojlund’s pace and pressing volume could better complement Mourinho’s counter-attacking instincts. The analytics team grades Ferguson’s fit at 8.5/10 and Hojlund’s at 7/10.

Dressing-room impact and Mourinho’s vision

Within the squad, Lukaku has welcomed the idea of additional competition, telling club media that “fresh legs and youthful energy can only help us fight on multiple fronts.” Captain Lorenzo Pellegrini echoed the sentiment, highlighting the need for “decisive options” from the bench. Roma transfer news circles believe Ferguson’s understated personality would blend seamlessly with the group’s mix of veterans and emerging Italians.

Mourinho, whose contract expires in June, sees a new striker as central to his legacy at the Olimpico. Delivering Champions League football could secure an extension and elevate the club’s financial muscle. The Portuguese manager has reportedly spoken with Ferguson’s representatives, outlining a clear development plan and promising regular starts in both Serie A and the Europa League knockouts.

Timeline and next steps

• 10 January – Roma submit formal loan request to Brighton
• 13-15 January – Brighton assess squad depth after FA Cup replay
• 16 January – Ferguson’s camp meets De Zerbi to discuss game-time assurances
• 18 January – Roma board meeting to approve financial package
• 20 January – Decision point: pivot to Hojlund if Brighton resist

Roma transfer news insiders remain cautiously optimistic that an agreement with Brighton could be reached before matchday 21, allowing Ferguson to debut against Hellas Verona.

What it means for Serie A race

Napoli’s inconsistency and Lazio’s goal-scoring woes leave fourth place wide open. If Roma capture Ferguson’s high-ceiling talent—or even rejuvenate Hojlund—the Giallorossi would possess one of the league’s most varied attacking arsenals. An extra 6-8 goals from a new recruit could tilt the balance in a tight race with Atalanta and Fiorentina.

Short Opinion

Ferguson feels like the smarter gamble. His numbers already outstrip Hojlund’s, and Brighton’s willingness to discuss a loan—however tough—makes the deal achievable. Roma transfer news often swings on late-window drama, but this time prudence should trump glamour. Land the Irish striker now, and Hojlund can remain a summer conversation.