Exclusive: Leeds United urged to avoid £45 million transfer "gamble" | OneFootball

Lee Hendrie has given his take on Leeds' interest in Evan Ferguson.

Lee Hendrie has cautioned Leeds United against signing Evan Ferguson, suggesting it could be a 'gamble' for a newly promoted side.

According to TEAMtalk, the Whites are prepared to enter battle this summer with Everton for the 20-year-old, who is currently on loan at West Ham United from Brighton and Hove Albion.

A player who started his career with such promise - netting 10 goals in his first 25 appearances for the Seagulls - has seen his form fade over the past two seasons.

At the London Stadium, he has been afforded just six appearances since signing in January, and it is understood they don’t have an option to buy in the striker’s loan deal.

This appears to have set up a two-horse race between Leeds and Everton, with both clubs likely needing to fork out £45 million to secure Ferguson’s services.

Lee Hendrie unsure on Ferguson 'gamble'

Speaking exclusively to Football League World about the prospect of Leeds splashing £45 million on Ferguson this summer, Sky Sports pundit Lee Hendrie admitted it’s a deal he’d have reservations about.

"He hasn't really got going, he's had injuries, hasn't featured much for Brighton, and has gone out on loan," the former Aston Villa midfielder told FLW.

"A good pre-season for him will get him champing at the bit to reignite his career. There was lots of talk about what he could be and what he could produce.

"A £45 million price tag could be a bit of a gamble for a club that’s being promoted into the Premier League, rather than a more established striker who knows where the back of the net is. Yes, he knows where the back of the net is, but there’s always a worry when you’re spending that much money on a player who could get injured. He’s had that injury form of late."

Looking past his recent issues, Hendrie added: "He would be a great addition to the Leeds squad and may be an upgrade on Joel Piroe, who I think is still capable of producing good moments for Leeds. Obviously, they’ll get rid of the likes of Bamford, and they need someone who can score goals in the Premier League if promoted."

A £45 million move for Evan Ferguson would be a gamble for Leeds

Just 18 months ago, a signing like Ferguson would have been a dream for Leeds, but a torrid spell since then has seen the striker linked with more modest moves.

Towards the end of 2023, it was understood that Brighton were seeking a fee in the region of £100 million for him, with the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester United all reportedly interested. However, he hasn’t lived up to the hype, and just one Premier League goal in 2024/25 has brought the youngster firmly back down to earth.

What he needs now is consistency, and if Leeds are prepared to accommodate him, they may begin to unlock the potential of a forward who clearly has talent.

At just 20 years old, you can’t write Ferguson off - and while it would be a gamble for Leeds, it’s one that could pay off handsomely.