Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler says Evan Ferguson is not available to go on loan but the striker must “accept” his role at the club.
The Republic of Ireland forward has only started one Premier League game this season and appears behind Danny Welbeck, Georginio Rutter and Joao Pedro in Hurzeler’s forward list.
The 20-year-old missed almost five months this year with an ankle injury and had to wait until mid-September to make his first appearance of the season.
The telegraph, external It was reported earlier this week that the Seagulls would be open to allowing him to leave the club on loan in the January transfer window, but Hurzeler denies that is the case.
“I don’t know where this information comes from because I told Evan I’m happy he’s here with the team,” Hurzeler said.
“I’m happy with how he’s training, how he feels physically and mentally. Of course, he’s a young player and needs playing time.”
The German said it was normal for players to feel disappointed if they were not selected to start, but it was important for Ferguson to maintain a good attitude.
“Embrace your role and make sure you’re in the frame of mind and shape so that when you get the opportunity, you’re ready,” Hurzeler said.
“It’s exactly what I demand from Evan and also what I told him.
“I never told him anything about a loan or anything like that.”
Ferguson signed a six-year contract extension with the club in 2023.
He was named the club’s young player of the year for the 2022-23 season and scored a hat-trick against Newcastle United last season, making him the fourth 18-year-old to do so in the Premier League.
