Loan Deal for “Real Deal’ Could Be Great Deal For Hammers
The urgency to sign a striker has further intensified, and it seems, according to Martin’s article this morning, that West Ham are working on a loan deal for Evan Ferguson at Brighton & Hove Albion, so I thought I’d lift the lid on the background to this young colossus.
In 2021 the 20 year old burst onto the scene in the Premier League, having made his debut two years earlier at Bohemians. Incredibly at such a young age he has amassed 18 appearances for the Republic of Ireland scoring four goals.
The 6ft striker has footballing blood in the family, as is the son of Barry Ferguson. Once described as the “real deal” by Alan Shearer, the prodigious young talent has carried a £100m price tag yet this season has found game time hard to come by at Brighton, playing just 368 minutes in all competitions.
The Seagulls have a wealth of options in the striker department, with Danny Wellbeck, Georgino Rutter and Joao Pedro all ahead of him in the pecking order. The same cannot be said for West Ham who only have Danny Ings and Niclas Fullkrug as their immediate options, though Jarrod Bowen has proved his versatility in this department.
Leicester City, Fulham and Southampton are also keen to secure Ferguson, yet it is West Ham that are leading the race.
With little money in the transfer kitty a loan option could suit both clubs. Brighton are not averse to loaning out their fringe players. Though the final decision will rest with Fabian Hurzeler who has recently poured cold water on the exit rumours. The Brighton manager has been quoted as saying “I don’t know where this information has come from because I said to Evan that I am happy he is here with the team”
The link to a 20 year old has raised some eyebrows around the London stadium by fans, given academy youngsters, George Earthy (20), Freddie Potts (21), Callum Marshall (20) have all been loaned out this season, and Ollie Scarles (19), Kaelan Casey (20), Lewis Orford (18) have had limited playing time.
If the East Sussex Premiership club are not amenable to a loan then Director of Football, Tim Steidten will have to cast his net further, and it’s hopeful at this stage that other targets have been identified.
