Evan Ferguson up against Erling Haaland and four others as PFA Young Player nominees announced

Simon Kelly

An incredible feat.

The PFA Young Player of the Year nominees have been announced for 2023, highlighting an abundance of young, exciting talent across the globe.

One of those talented youngsters among the nominees is Ireland and Brighton sensation Evan Ferguson.

The 18-year-old is up against a host of incredible players, most notably Manchester City phenomenon Erling Haaland and Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka, who are up for both Young Player of the year and Player of the Year awards.

Joining them is Aston Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey, Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli and Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo, who recently completed his British-record £115 million move to the London club from Brighton.

While Ferguson is certainly up against it in terms of his competition, there’ll be little doubt that he belongs on that list off the back of his incredible haul last season. He’s also the youngest on the list by two years.

Evan Ferguson linked with huge move away following breakout season

The Republic of Ireland international had a breakout 2022-23 campaign for Brighton, scoring 10 goals and three assists which helped them to a sixth-place finish in the Premier League and European football for this season.

The 18-year-old has been linked with a move away following his impressive debut season in the Premier League last year, with Gary Lineker publicly stating he should be on Tottenham’s radar after Harry Kane’s departure to Bayern Munich.

However, Brighton’s chief executive Paul Barber has said the club have no intention to sell the youngster this season and would only consider selling in about five years’ time.

“It’s going to be a collective decision but it’s driven by the technical staff and we’re relying on them to make those judgements regarding the players’ development,” Barber told Talksport.

Ferguson’s inclusion on the list is the first time an Irish player has been in the running since Seamus Coleman made the list in 2011.

Ferguson made a great start to the 23/24 campaign, scoring the fourth goal in a 4-1 win against Premier League newcomers Luton on the opening day of the season.