West Ham could regret Andre Silva setback after new transfer agreed

West Ham United could regret their failure to sign Andre Silva from RB Leipzig as part of their winter striker search.

The experienced striker looked possible to head to the Premier League for the first time in his career but now appears to be on his way to Werder Bremen on loan from Leipzig for the rest of the season (Florian Plettenberg, 2 February).

The deal for Evan Ferguson, whom Graham Potter handed his Brighton debut back in 2021, looks instead to be given the green light (Sean Whetstone, 2 February) before Monday's deadline (3 February).

Ferguson has proven himself in his fledgling career but has disappeared from the radar of late, as he looks to make the most of a new chapter back under the stewardship of Potter.

As a result, Silva will now stay in Germany and will be anticipated to fire in the goals for Werder as the move to East London fails to materialise.

West Ham have been in for many strikers

West Ham's desperation for a striker has been well-publicised, with Potter's tendency to play 'false nines' and attacking midfielders leading the line.

Danny Ings, the sole out-and-out fit striker in the squad, is usually introduced from the bench and cannot do it by himself. Silva's experience would have made him perfect for the role.

However, Ferguson remains a solid choice if he can get a run of games under his belt to improve his confidence and reignite his goalscoring touch.

The nagging feeling for some Hammers fans over Silva is his proven scoring capabilities throughout most of his career, including for the Portuguese national team.

Age would not have mattered had it been a straight loan deal, which is the nature of the transfer anticipated for him to move across the Bundesliga, and Potter needs that oven-ready forward to step straight in and do the business.

There may be a tinge of regret, but also excitement if and when Ferguson comes through the door at the London Stadium.

In other West Ham news, there could even be a move for lone frontman Ings in a surprise development.

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