Major Evan Ferguson twist has now given Graham Potter an easy decision to make at West Ham

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West Ham United signed Evan Ferguson on a loan deal in the January window on transfer deadline day.

Evan Ferguson arrived at West Ham from Brighton having struggled for form and fitness over the past 18 months.

Graham Potter brought his former player to the London Stadium, and is said to be very keen indeed to sign him on a permanent deal this summer.

Club captain Jarrod Bowen is said to be a huge fan of Ferguson, and has immediately forged a real connection with the striker.

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The 20-year-old obviously has real ability – he proved that during the 2022/23 season. However, that was a long time ago now.

There is genuine concern that his injuries have adversely affected him to a point where he won’t be the same player ever again.

And if we’re all being honest, he hasn’t looked sharp at all during his first three appearances for the Hammers has he.

I’m fully aware that’s a little bit harsh, but that’s what elite level sport is all about.

Now a big twist has come to light regarding Ferguson, and it could end up being a real blessing in disguise for the Hammers.

Major Evan Ferguson twist emerges for West Ham

Claret and Hugh claim that a top level London Stadium source has told them that confidence is shrinking about completing a permanent deal for the 20-year-old striker.

It is said that Brighton are proving to be incredibly difficult to deal with, no surprises there.

And Ferguson may well not be a West Ham player after the end of this season.

That’s not necessarily a bad thing, if the Hammers go out and get an elite centre-forward instead of Ferguson this summer.

Ferguson is decent, and he undoubtedly has real potential to become a top-class striker.

However, his injury history is a huge concern, and there is a real case to be made that he is a one-season wonder.

He has missed 225 days of action since the start of the 2022/23 season (Transfermarkt), and that’s simply not good enough for someone so young.

In my opinion, and I’m aware I will get criticism from some fans for this, West Ham can do so much better than the Republic of Ireland international.

Evan Ferguson twist gives Graham Potter easy decision to make

I believe that failing to sign Ferguson permanently could actually be good news for the Hammers.

If the Irishman doesn’t make a permanent move to the London Stadium, it means that Potter will have to find someone else.

The dream would be for the Hammers to sign Jonathan David on a free transfer AND Liam Delap from Ipswich Town.

However, I would take either one of those!

Evan Ferguson isn’t a bad player at all, but West Ham fans shouldn’t be losing their minds over the prospect of him returning to Brighton in the summer.

There are far better options out there for the Hammers as far as I’m concerned.

Graham Potter should be putting all his eggs in the David and Delap baskets this summer. Missing out on Ferguson really won’t be the end of the world.