‘Wouldn’t Be a Shock’ – Ornstein Shares Update on West Ham Talent Amid Uncertain Summer

As the season nears its conclusion, there’s little left at stake for West Ham United, but Graham Potter now has the perfect chance to assess several players whose long-term futures at the London Stadium remain uncertain.

Some players joined on permanent transfers for significant fees, while others are simply on loan, and their next steps remain unclear.

One such case is Evan Ferguson, who joined West Ham on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion late in the January transfer window.

With the Irons in need of attacking reinforcements, the young striker was brought in as a potential solution.

Ferguson’s move made sense given Potter’s history with the Irish forward — he handed the teenager his debut at Brighton at just 17.

A loan spell under a familiar coach was viewed as a safe bet to help revive his stalled development.

However, Ferguson has struggled to make an impact in East London. He has yet to score for the Hammers and remains on the fringes of Potter’s plans.

His most recent goals came while representing the Republic of Ireland, with his last club goal being for Brighton against Wolves back in October — his only Premier League strike this season before being sidelined by an ankle injury.

In a fan Q&A session held on Friday morning (11 April), David Ornstein of The Athletic was asked about Ferguson’s future.

In response, he said: “It wouldn’t surprise me if he plays himself back into form and returns to shine for Brighton.

There’s an outstanding player there. You just hope he stays injury-free and starts to flourish again.”

Given his limited impact, a permanent move to West Ham seems unlikely.

Instead, the club is expected to focus on signing strikers this summer.

With Michail Antonio and Niclas Fullkrug spending extended periods injured and Danny Ings not seen as the answer up front, West Ham has often turned to Jarrod Bowen to fill in through the middle.

Lucas Paquetá and Mohammed Kudus have also rotated in attacking roles.

Jonathan David is among the top targets being considered. Set to leave Lille as a free agent, he has attracted interest from several Premier League clubs, meaning West Ham will face stiff competition for his signature.

Another potential move involves Liam Delap. The Ipswich Town striker could be available for £30 million due to a release clause, triggered if the club is relegated — a scenario that now appears inevitable.

West Ham may seize the opportunity if they believe he fits the bill for their attacking rebuild.