Evan Ferguson's chances of a move in the January transfer window received a boost on Friday, as Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler discussed the Irish striker's situation. Currently sidelined with an ankle injury, Ferguson is eager for first-team action upon his return.
His opportunities at Brighton have been limited this season, with Danny Welbeck, Joao Pedro, and Georginio Rutter ahead of him. The 20 year old has clocked up just 219 minutes in the Premier League, featuring in two starts and 10 appearances off the bench, reports the Irish Mirror..
With Graham Potter now at West Ham, the Hammers are seen as a potential destination for Ferguson if a loan deal is approved. Arsenal and Fulham are also reportedly interested, and Hurzeler's recent remarks about the player will have caught their attention.
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When quizzed about Ferguson's future, the Brighton boss said: "We will negotiate what is important for him, what is important for his development, where he can improve the best and then we will make the decision together. This decision should be what is best for the player and for the club. We sent (Facundo) Buonanotte, for example, to Leicester."
Hurzeler highlighted the Premier League as an ideal place for young players to develop, citing its toughness and intensity saying: "In the end, they want to play for Brighton and we want them to play for Brighton. So, when they improve in the environment of the league where we are also playing, it's always very helpful. So, that's why I am not thinking about making the other teams better, it's more about what is best for the player."
New West Ham manager Graham Potter, who gave his former protege Ferguson his first taste of Premier League action at Brighton, spoke out on Thursday regarding his plans for the upcoming transfer season. Potter remarked: "My focus is internally because we've got players here that I think can improve, that I think can get better. The coach's job is to focus on that."
Still, he was quick to note: "That's not to say that we're not active (in the transfer market), it's not to say that we're not looking. It's not to say that if something comes up we can't do it because we can and there's support to do it. But it has to be the right thing for us as well. It's a complicated window. There are a few checklists you've got to go through."
He outlined the criteria for new additions: "It's about whether they're available, whether they're able to play in the Premier League, whether they fit the way you want to play, whether they're the right person for the group."
English (United States) ·