Fabian Hürzeler Clears Path for Evan Ferguson’s Permanent Move to West Ham

West Ham Address Striker Problem with Ferguson Loan, But Long-Term Future Uncertain

 

West Ham secured a much-needed striker on deadline day by bringing in Evan Ferguson from Brighton.

 

However, the 20-year-old Irish forward is only a temporary solution for the Hammers, as he joins on a ‘dry loan’ for the remainder of the season.

 

The nature of the deal has left many West Ham supporters frustrated, particularly since it is a straight loan without an option to buy.

 

Moreover, Ferguson was the club’s only signing in the transfer window, adding to concerns about the owners’ perceived lack of ambition.

 

West Ham and Brighton Struggled to Agree on Terms

According to a high-level board source, both clubs preferred a permanent deal for Ferguson.

 

However, West Ham were only interested in an option to buy, while Brighton insisted on either an outright sale or at least an obligation to purchase at the end of the loan.

 

In the end, the two sides reached a compromise, resulting in a simple loan move with no future guarantee for the Hammers.

 

Despite this, West Ham fans remained hopeful that if Ferguson performed well under Graham Potter in East London, a permanent deal could be arranged.

 

However, Hammers News has now revealed a major obstacle to that possibility.

 

Brighton’s Valuation Poses a Challenge for West Ham

 

 

A source close to the negotiations has stated that the chances of Ferguson staying at West Ham permanently are slim due to Brighton owner Tony Bloom’s steep asking price.

 

Brighton reportedly valued the young striker at over £100 million just over a year ago.

 

Securing Ferguson on loan was a significant achievement for West Ham, given the widespread interest from other clubs.

 

However, Brighton would likely not have allowed such a valuable player to leave on loan unless they no longer saw him as part of their long-term plans.

 

This decision was likely influenced by Ferguson’s struggles with injuries.

 

Now, Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler has seemingly paved the way for Ferguson to make a permanent switch to West Ham.

 

Brighton’s New Signing Signals Shift in Attack

Shortly after Ferguson’s departure, Brighton made a significant announcement, signing Stefanos Tzimas, a long-term West Ham target, from Bundesliga 2 club 1. FC Nürnberg.

 

The powerful 19-year-old Greek striker was signed for £20 million plus add-ons and is set to join Brighton in the summer.

 

Ferguson had already dropped to third—or even fourth—choice under Hürzeler at Brighton, which was a key factor in his decision to leave.

 

With Tzimas now added to the attacking lineup, the likelihood of Ferguson returning to Brighton and regaining his place appears increasingly unlikely.

 

This development suggests that a permanent move to West Ham could be a viable option.

 

However, given Brighton’s history of smart transfer dealings, they might have signed Tzimas as part of their long-term plans rather than an immediate replacement for Ferguson.

 

Brighton’s Boss Sees Tzimas as the Future

Hürzeler has made his stance on the new signing clear, indicating that he views Tzimas as a potential first-choice striker.

 

“I think Brighton is the right club for every player who wants to improve,” Hürzeler told Sky Sports News.

 

“I’m very happy we could sign a quality player like Stefanos, who is still very young.

 

I’ve watched him play for Nürnberg several times, and I know how tough that league is, especially for young players. But he has already shown he has big quality.

 

“Hopefully, he has a strong remainder of the season with Nürnberg, and then we’re really looking forward to working with him here. I believe he can be a big player for us.”

 

Hürzeler’s comments make it clear that Ferguson’s future at Brighton is uncertain. Unless he is willing to accept a lesser role—potentially as fourth or even fifth choice—his prospects at the Amex seem bleak.

 

West Ham’s Opportunity to Secure Ferguson Permanently

 

Brighton were already open to selling Ferguson in the winter transfer window, and Hürzeler’s latest statements further reinforce that stance.

 

Should Ferguson perform well at West Ham, the club’s owners will have little excuse not to push for a permanent deal this summer.

 

The only remaining question is whether Tony Bloom will set a realistic valuation for the striker.

 

For now, Ferguson is set to kick off his West Ham loan spell this weekend, with his debut expected to come against Brentford.