‘It’s a step up’ – Striker urged to ‘go to West Ham’ amid injury crisis. Ex-West Ham academy graduate, Joe Cole, has urged Evan Ferguson to sign for the Hammers this January.
The Brighton striker has found first-team opportunities hard to come by since returning from an ankle injury earlier this season, with new Seagulls boss Fabian Hurzeler preferring Joao Pedro and Danny Welbeck as his go-to frontmen.
As a result, the Northern Ireland international could be allowed to leave the AMEX on loan this winter as he seeks first-team football away from the south coast, according to The Telegraph.
It was reported last week that Brighton were still deciding whether to allow the 20-year-old to leave in January or reassess their options in the summer, especially with ongoing concerns over Welbeck’s long-term fitness.
West Ham are now in desperate need of signing a striker this month after Niclas Fullkrug pulled up with what appeared to be a hamstring injury in the Hammers’ FA Cup 3rd defeat to Aston Villa on Friday night.
The German’s injury means new boss Graham Potter only has Danny Ings as the only recognised striker in the squad, with Michail Antonio and Jarrod Bowen also sidelined long-term.
Arsenal have also been linked with a potential move to bring Ferguson to the capital as Mikel Arteta looks to add more firepower to his side and revive the Gunners’ title credentials.
Speaking on The Dressing Room podcast, Cole was asked by fellow ex-Hammer, Wayne Bridge, whether he would see West Ham beating Arsenal to Ferguson’s signature.
Cole, who will know all about how youngsters can thrive at a club like West Ham if given the opportunity, was steadfast in his belief that east London would be a better fit than north for the striker.
He said: “Listen, if I’m his agent I’m saying to him go to West Ham.
“You’re not going to get into the Brighton team.
“You’re going to take a step up and play, you need games, you’re a young kid, you need games, come and play for West Ham, it hasn’t worked for Fullkrug yet, go there.”
Ferguson, who has scored 17 goals and created five assists in 79 appearances for Brighton, has missed the last three games with an ankle injury, which may still prevent the likes of West Ham and Arsenal from firming up their interest this month.
Given how desperate West Ham now are to recruit a goalscorer following Fullkrug’s latest setback, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the club tested the water with a bid in the coming days.
It was Potter who gave Ferguson his debut at Brighton, which came as a late substitute in a 2-0 Carabao Cup victory over Cardiff City in August 2021.
