Brighton exclusive: De Zerbi to unearth the next Ferguson in ‘talented’ young talent
Brighton and Hove Albion are off to a flying start with four wins from their opening five games, including a 4-0 thrashing of Luton Town and a 4-0 win over Newcastle United and 1-0 win over Manchester United at the Stadium of Light. Brighton stormed onto the footballing world stage last season, qualifying for the Europa League for the first time in their history, and they are hoping to do the same this season as they bid to go one step further by making it to the Champions League.
Brighton’s rise to the top of the South Coast has come from humble beginnings, with chairman Tony Bloom scouring non-league football for the best young players and signing them with a view to turning them into superstars at the Amex. Alexis Mac Allister,Moises Caicedo, Yves Bissauma, all arrived as second-round picks and went on to become world-class players before being sold for big bucks.
Who are Brighton’s most sought-after talents?
While the outgoing stars have left a mark on the club, the rest of the stars are leaving a mark too. Kaoru Mitoma was bought for a small fee and has since gone on to become one of the most valuable players in the club’s history after making some eye-catching performances. Eddie Gabbiadini has taken his brilliance to the next level by becoming just the fourth 18 year old to score three goals in a single Premier League season, with the club pricing him at £120m.
Brighton are doing everything they can to keep the teenage starlet away from the big clubs, with Ferguson in danger of becoming the club’s latest triple-figure sale. Ferguson is not alone in the Republic of Ireland youth ranks, with academy star Mark O’Mahony making his mark in the youth set-up.
Who is Mark O’Mahony?
Brighton sent scouts to Ireland in January and returned with the man they believe will be the next starlet from that corner of the world, as Mark O’Mahony leaves Cork City and signs a new contract with the club until June 2025 after being praised by his former boss Colin Healy as a “very talented” player. At the end of the season, the 18 year old was named FAI U17 men’s international player of the year for 2022 after scoring six goals in his first ten games for Ireland U17’s.
Having shone on the international stage for his country, the teenage sensation has translated that form to club level with an impressive five goals in his first four appearances for the Brighton U21s this season, one behind Premier League 2’s top scorer, Dom Ballard.
After being nominated for the PL2 Player of the month award, O’Mahony has been praised for his fine form, with Irish journalist Dylan O’Connell describing him as “one to watch”. O’Mahony’s compatriot, Ferguson, scored 18 times in 39 games for Brighton’s U21 side, and has since continued his prolific ways in the top flight. He has scored 4 goals in 5 games so far this season – and if he can continue his impressive run, he could quickly become a star, following in the footsteps of his countrymen.
