Brighton CEO Paul Barber says it will be "at least five years" before the club considers selling Evan Ferguson.
Over the weekend, Gary Lineker said his former side Spurs should considering signing the Ireland striker as a replacement for Harry Kane.
Barber appeared on Talksport's breakfast show on Tuesday, and was asked by Ally McCoist about the club's decision-making process once they receive an offer for a player. He used a hypothetical one for Ferguson as an example.
"At what time you do all sit around the table? Is it a footballing decision initially or does it immediately become a business decision?" asked McCoist.
Barber replied, "In Evan’s case, it’ll be in at least five years’ time!"
19 June 2023; Evan Ferguson of Republic of Ireland celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the UEFA EURO 2024 Championship qualifying group B match between Republic of Ireland and Gibraltar at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile
He then explained how Brighton make decisions regarding players.
"Ultimately the technical staff are making the key decisions on where a player is in his development, whether he needs more first team games or needs to go on loan or if we need to trade earlier or later," he said.
"Ultimately 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 player's development.
"There are times when it’s better for us to keep a player in and around our first team group, training with us and getting the odd first team appearance from the bench or in cup games.
Evan Ferguson scores in Fergie time. He’s a born goalscorer. If I was in charge of recruitment at @SpursOfficial I’d take a punt on him as Kane’s replacement. Apologies to @OfficialBHAFC fans.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) August 12, 2023
"Other times, it’s better for them to go out on loan in Europe and others it’s better for them to stay in this country and be on loan where we can keep a far closer eye on them.
"Those decisions, Tony and I leave them to the technical staff and we only really get involved when we get to the financial decisions and where we go next.
"It’s a combined effort, it’s a team effort and we’re as much of a team off the pitch as we are on it and Tony and I both believe that we’ve got to work collaboratively and effectively, but ultimately, Roberto De Zerbi is making the big calls when it comes to the playing squad."
Evan scoring in Fergie time. ⏱️😏 pic.twitter.com/PsD2TaRPk0
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) August 13, 2023
See Also: Jamie Carragher Makes Big Evan Ferguson Claim After Latest Brighton Exploits
