Journalist on whether West Ham will sign Evan Ferguson permanently and summer plans

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After a quiet winter window in which they only signed Evan Ferguson on loan, West Ham fans are expectant ahead of the summer.

• Hammers News exclusive

It is fair to say West Ham fans were far from happy with the club’s lack of business in January.

The Hammers went into the winter window linked with a host of exciting young players.

A new striker, midfielder and defender were all said to be on West Ham’s list for new boss Graham Potter.

But in the end the only deal West Ham could pull off was to sign Evan Ferguson from Brighton.

The fact Ferguson has only joined on a straight loan has agitated some supporters.

Many feel it smacks of short-termism and that West Ham will be back at square one looking for at least two new forwards in the summer.

In terms of the profile of player, Ferguson ticks so many boxes for the Irons.

A top young striker who has proven he can cut it in the Premier League is what West Ham fans have been craving for years.

Some supporters believe signing the 20-year-old Irishman on loan was sensible given his injury issues over the last year or so.

Journalist on if West Ham will sign Ferguson permanently

A top insider revealed Ferguson’s “dry loan” was a compromise with Brighton, who wanted a permanent sale while West Ham only wanted an option and not an obligation to buy.

It means West Ham are exposed should Ferguson shine at the London Stadium over the next few months.

The big question on the lips of fans has been whether there is a prospect of owning Ferguson outright if he does hit it off in east London.

There has also been anger among fans at reports emerging regarding the club’s summer budget.

It was claimed yesterday that Potter faces a difficult summer after West Ham’s £155m splurge.

But it’s clear the new Hammers boss will want and need to rebuild the squad around his own players.

That may only be possible with extensive player sales, though, it’s been claimed.

Especially as West Ham continue to borrow from the banks against future payments owed to them by clubs for transfers.

Now a journalist has spoken on whether West Ham will sign Ferguson permanently and the club’s summer plans.

Potter defended West Ham’s board over the lack of business in the winter window.

He claimed it was him who was reluctant to bring in players for the sake of it.

Ferguson was very much a Potter target having been the man to bring the forward over from Ireland and give him his Premier League debut at Brighton.

The hope among Hammers fans if that Ferguson enjoys his reunion with Potter so much, that the club will get the chance to keep him.

‘Stop-gap’ Ferguson may love it and want to stay with Hammers

However, the fear is that West Ham’s owners won’t meet Brighton’s Ferguson valuation.

Speaking about the club’s transfer situation, football correspondent Graeme Bailey says West Ham fans must forget about the January window.

Because the former Sky Sports man believes the Hammers will get what and who they want come the summer.

Even if Bailey still sees signing Ferguson permanently as something of a long-shot.

“Ferguson was a stop-gap option,” Bailey told Hammers News.

“If he loves it he may want to stay, but it looks tough to be able to keep him.

“If he doesn’t perform they won’t want him and if he does, Brighton’s value is huge.

‘Forget January, West Ham will get what they want this summer’

“The fact West Ham are looking now is going to help them as they can prepare.

“We saw them linked to many names, and offered a host of players – if I was to say one thing to West Ham fans I would encourage them to forget January.

“Judge Potter and the new regime then and see how it goes. I am confident they will get most of what they want.

“To be honest I think they were sensible, they didn’t go and spend £20, 30 or 40 million on a player that was only going to help them in the short-term.

“They know what they need, they are looking for help in every department I am told – but I think a new central defender and, as we have mentioned, at least one striker will be top of their wanted list heading into the summer.”