West Ham Secure Brighton Striker Evan Ferguson on Loan Until Season’s End
West Ham United have completed the loan signing of Brighton & Hove Albion forward Evan Ferguson, who will remain with the Hammers until the conclusion of the current season.
The 20-year-old striker reunites with head coach Graham Potter, who previously managed him during the early stages of his career at Brighton.
“I’m delighted we’ve been able to bring Evan in on loan until the end of the season,” Potter stated via the club’s official website. “He’s a player we know very well, and I’m grateful to the Board for making this happen. He possesses a number of strong attributes as a striker, and we believe he will be a valuable asset to the squad over the coming months.”
Ferguson, who will wear the No. 34 shirt, expressed his excitement about joining West Ham. “I can see how big a club West Ham United is,” he told the club’s media team. “It was a great opportunity for me to come here. I know the manager well and look forward to working with him again. I want to give my best for the club, score goals, and see how far we can go.”
The Republic of Ireland international joins at a crucial time for West Ham, as their attacking options have been depleted due to injuries. Michail Antonio (leg), Niclas Füllkrug (hamstring), Jarrod Bowen (foot), and Crysencio Summerville (muscle) are all currently sidelined.
Ferguson has netted 13 Premier League goals in 60 appearances, with one goal so far in the 2024/25 campaign, where he has mostly played as a substitute under Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler. Despite struggling with injuries, he showcased his potential in 2023 by scoring 11 league goals, equalling Wayne Rooney’s record for the most Premier League goals in a calendar year by a teenager.
In September 2023, he became only the fourth player in Premier League history to score a hat-trick before turning 19, achieving the feat against Newcastle United.
His impressive performances have drawn comparisons with legendary strikers such as Alan Shearer and Harry Kane. In 2023, Tim Sherwood and Glenn Murray praised his abilities, with Sherwood stating, “I heard people talking about him—perhaps too early—but rightly or wrongly, they were comparing him to Shearer in his early days. This boy is special, he has talent.”
Murray added, “I believe he could reach Harry Kane’s level. His stature, his ability—what impresses me most is his attitude. He remains humble despite his talent.”
Since making his senior debut for the Republic of Ireland in 2022, Ferguson has earned 18 international caps, scoring four goals.
Although he has not been registered in time for West Ham’s match against Chelsea, Ferguson could make his debut for the club at home to Brentford on 15 February.