West Ham United have confirmed the signing of Evan Ferguson on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion for the remainder of the season.
The 20-year-old has linked up with Graham Potter's side on a straight loan deal until the end of the 2024-25 campaign, and Sky Sports News reports that the Irons have paid a "significant" fee for his services on a temporary basis.
Ferguson will sport the number 34 shirt during his time at the London Stadium, a jersey previously worn by Robbie Keane and Luis Boa Morte but one that has been vacant since 2021.
West Ham are apparently set to cover the entirety of Ferguson's wages during his time in the capital, where he will provide an alternative attacking option while Michail Antonio and Niclas Fullkrug recover from injuries.
"It feels good to be here. Seeing the stadium and being here today, I've got a very good feeling," Ferguson told the official West Ham website after penning his contract.
Ferguson reunites with Potter as West Ham deal complete
Enter Evan Ferguson ⚒️ pic.twitter.com/HFw1IIXz5O
— West Ham United (@WestHam) February 3, 2025
"I can see and know how big West Ham United is. It was a big opportunity for me to come here. I know the gaffer well and look forward to working under him again. I want to come in and do my best for the Club, score goals, and see where we get to."
Ferguson made his first-team breakthrough at Brighton while Potter was at the Amex helm, and the now-West Ham boss believes that the 2004-born protege can thrive at the London Stadium.
"I'm delighted we've been able to bring Evan in on loan until the end of the season. He's a player we obviously know very well, so I'm grateful to the Board for bringing him in," Potter added.
"He's got plenty of quality attributes as a striker that we believe will benefit the group over the course of the coming months. We're excited to integrate him into the squad and see him in action in the weeks to come."
Ferguson had apparently attracted interest from the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal after bursting onto the scene with Brighton as a teenager, but the Republic of Ireland international's development has been stunted by injury in recent times.
Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler reacts to Ferguson loan
© Imago
Ferguson has just one goal to show from 15 appearances in all competitions during the 2024-25 campaign, only starting two Premier League games amid competition from Joao Pedro, Danny Welbeck and Georginio Rutter.
Speaking to the official Brighton website, Seagulls head coach Fabian Hurzeler emphasised the importance of Ferguson enjoying regular game time, which he is currently unable to offer him.
"Evan has had a frustrating 12 months with injuries and for him to get back to the level he's capable of and to continue his development he really needs to be playing regularly," Hurzeler said.
"This loan gives him that opportunity, and under a manager he knows well. We are looking forward to watching Evan's progress over the next few months, and we wish him well."
Ferguson - who has scored 17 goals in 80 appearances for Brighton - will not be able to make his West Ham debut against Chelsea on Monday night, but he could feature in Saturday's London derby at home to Brentford.
The 20-year-old follows James Ward-Prowse to the London Stadium on deadline day after the Hammers agreed a deal to re-sign the former Nottingham Forest man.
Ben Knapton
