The two Roma main candidates to replace Ferguson in January

Evan Ferguson faces an uncertain future at Roma as the Giallorossi have already opened talks to sign Giacomo Raspadori and Joshua Zirkzee in the January transfer window.

Roma could decide to send Republic of Ireland international Ferguson back to Brighton in January as Gian Piero Gasperini aims to get attacking reinforcements in the winter transfer window.

Ferguson has failed to impress at the Stadio Olimpico, scoring four goals in 18 appearances across all competitions, a statistic that has left many questioning his form ahead of upcoming football matches betting with 1xBet Ireland.

Gasperini was particularly critical of Ferguson after Roma’s 1-0 loss against Juventus on December 20.

“Ferguson is still not convincing me, including in the second half today. It’s not just his technique; he and a few other new signings still haven’t settled fully into the spirit of this team,” Gasperini told Sky Sport Italia.

“We have a very solid team, with Dybala and Soule. They didn’t have the right service tonight, but their technical quality is far beyond the others. I would’ve made the same choices again, certainly.”

Brighton coach Fabian Hurzele has refused to rule out Ferguson’s return in the January transfer window, a move that would need to be approved by both clubs.

Ferguson joined Roma on loan with an option to buy for €35m last summer, a formula that the Giallorossi would like to replicate with Manchester United next month.

The Red Devils’ striker Zirkzee, in fact, is the Giallorossi’s primary target to strengthen their attacking department in the second part of 2025-26. According to Italian sources, however, Manchester United are unwilling to let the Dutchman go in the first half of January as they are limited in attacking options due to injuries and AFCON.

Gasperini is a long-time admirer of Zirkzee and already wanted to bring him to Atalanta in the past.

Likewise, Atletico Madrid’s Giacomo Raspadori, a former Napoli striker, has long been on Gasperini’s agenda, also during his time in Bergamo, and it’s no coincidence that the Italian is another player Roma are in talks with these days.

Raspadori has been struggling with playing time at Atletico Madrid this season, but has still managed two goals and three assists in 14 appearances across all competitions, even scoring one goal in the Champions League.

Gasperini hopes to welcome both Raspadori and Zirkzee in the January transfer window to boost Roma’s hopes to qualify for the Champions League.

Roma are the least-beaten defence in Serie A with just 10 goals conceded, but have the weakest attack in the top 10 with 17 goals scored, so Gasp is waiting for reinforcements up front sooner later than later.