Opinion: West Ham Put Evan Ferguson Deal on Hold Amid £25.1m Transfer Update from Agent

West Ham United secured the signing of Republic of Ireland international Evan Ferguson on an initial loan from Brighton during the winter transfer window.

Despite high expectations upon his arrival at the London Stadium, the 20-year-old has struggled to make an impact, failing to score in his first six appearances under Graham Potter.

While Ferguson still has the potential to come good, the club is also exploring alternative options, with recent reports linking them to a £25.1 million-rated forward.

West Ham Considering Yuri Alberto Instead of Ferguson

Ferguson, as the current loanee striker, possesses qualities that could prove valuable under Potter’s system.

However, it remains uncertain how much Brighton would demand for a permanent transfer, and the price might exceed what West Ham is willing to pay.

If that proves to be the case, Corinthians’ Yuri Alberto could emerge as a viable alternative. The 24-year-old has impressed with his goal-scoring record in Brazil, making him an attractive option for the Hammers.

Andre Cury, Alberto’s agent, confirmed the interest from East London in an interview with Globo on March 19, revealing that a formal offer had been made. He stated:

“Yuri Alberto joined Corinthians for free, meaning the club didn’t spend a penny. I already brought in an offer of £25.1 million (30 million euros), which would have not only covered my fees but also generated a profit for the club.

“Our role is to present these offers to the club. We’ve had bids from Wolverhampton, West Ham, Betis, and clubs in Italy, but a transfer never materialized.

However, he’s young, and like any South American player, he dreams of playing in Europe. Yuri is no different.”

Ferguson’s Future in Doubt Following Alberto Interest

If West Ham is seriously considering Alberto, it would be logical to delay any decision on making Ferguson’s move permanent.

Although the young Irish forward has shown glimpses of promise, his lack of goals raises questions about whether he can be the long-term solution for the Hammers.

On the other hand, signing Alberto could prove to be a shrewd piece of business.

His impressive goal record suggests he could add firepower to the squad, potentially easing the transition for fellow Brazilian Luis Guilherme, who has struggled to adapt to the Premier League.

Ultimately, Potter will have a crucial decision to make regarding West Ham’s attacking options.

While Jarrod Bowen has been in excellent form, securing a reliable strike partner will be key for the club’s ambitions moving forward.