Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler says he is open to Evan Ferguson and Julio Enciso leaving on loan this January.
The highly-rated duo have had reduced minutes for the Seagulls this season after returning from long injury lay-offs in the past year.
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Evan Ferguson transfer news
Ferguson is likely to be of interest to a number of Premier League sides, with links to West Ham and Bournemouth – both of whom are in need of a striker.
The Republic of Ireland international arrived on the South Coast when new Hammers boss Graham Potter was in charge of the Albion and need to fill the void left by injured No9 Michail Antonio.
Bournemouth are also currently without a No9 after Evanilson was ruled out of the rest of the season earlier this month.
“We will negotiate what is important for him, what is important for his development, where he can improve the best and then we will make the decision together,” Hurzeler said on Ferguson’s future ahead of Brighton’s Premier League trip to Ipswich on Thursday.
“This decision should be what is best for the player and for the club. We sent [Facundo] Buonanotte, for example, to Leicester.
“We know that the Premier League is a very good league to improve, because it’s tough, it’s intense, especially for young players. It’s the perfect environment to adapt.
“In the end, they want to play for Brighton and we want them to play for Brighton. So, when they improve in the environment of the league where we are also playing, it’s always very helpful.
“So, that’s why I am not thinking about making the other teams better, it’s more about what is best for the player.”
Ferguson has made 12 appearances in the league this season but only two of those have been from the start, while he has managed just one goal.
Julio Enciso transfer news
Encisco scored his first Brighton goal since first goal since May 2023 in the club’s 4-0 FA Cup win over Norwich on Saturday but has also only started twice in the Premier League.
The 20-year-old has been linked with a move to Atalanta this January.
Hurzeler said: “Julio has value, special potential and a profile that helps us in different situations.
“He’s giving everything for the club because he says he really likes to play for Brighton and he has shown it on the pitch this season.
“We are really happy to have him here, but we always have to negotiate what is the best individual development for the player.”
