Evan Ferguson stance made clear by Brighton amid West Ham transfer announcement
Evan Ferguson’s route back into Brighton’s plans looks unclear after his loan to West Ham United was confirmed.
Fabrzio Romano reported via X (3 February) that Brighton had signed Stefanos Tzimas FC Nurnberg, just hours before Ferguson was pictured in Hammers colours ahead of his loan move being made official.
Ferguson’s temporary switch to the London Stadium comes with no option or obligation for the Irons to buy him from Brighton, yet Tzimas’ arrival on the south coast provides yet more competition for him.
The Republic of Ireland international’s position in the pecking order at the Amex Stadium is the cause of his Deadline Day exit, but Brighton’s own activity will give the Hammers hope of a permanent deal.
Evan Ferguson can stake claim for permanent West Ham stay
Having made his Premier League breakthrough under Graham Potter during the pair’s time together with the Seagulls, Ferguson will hope that returning to play for his former manager reignites his form.
The 20-year-old immediately becomes Potter’s first choice up front in East London given the long-term injuries suffered by Michail Antonio and Niclas Fullkrug, and will be their youngest striker by a distance.
Tzimas, who is 19, was also on the Irons’ radar as they desperately looked for alternatives to Antonio, Fullkrug and Danny Ings in their aging frontline, but attention turned to Ferguson upon Potter’s arrival.
Brighton jumping the gun and spending £22million on the Greek youth international not only denies the Hammers one of their own transfer targets, but also leaves Ferguson’s future fuzzy once he returns.
Ferguson may be in line to return to the south coast at season’s end as things stand, but if he realises his potential in claret and blue, Potter will surely move heaven and earth to sign him permanently.
In other West Ham news, Jeff Stelling reacted to the news that one forgotten Irons start will be returning to the London Stadium.
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