Widespread now throughout the Premier League and beyond is the knowledge that West Ham are desperately seeking a striker. As would any club who only had Danny Ings to call on. And most domestic rivals will do all they can to avoid strengthening other Premier league clubs, which is why it is a tough ask to capture decent players – either on purchases or to loan – in the January window.
However there is a deeper reason sometimes why a loan is a good thing for both clubs: If player is in need of minutes, game time and fitness, the new club can provide this whilst meeting his wages: After which a rejuvenated, fully fit player returns home to fire from all cylinders for his parent club again.
A ‘win-win-win’ situation.
Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler as reported in sussexexpress.co.uk this morning has dropped a big hint that such a deal might well be on the cards for Brighton, for West Ham and Evan Ferguson.
“It’s very important that Evan gets back on the pitch,” he said. “We will negotiate the same with Evan. What is important for him, what is important for his development. Where can he improve the best and then we will make a decision together. This decision should be chosen, what’s the best for the player and for the club. We had also sent [Facundo] Buonanotte for example to Leicester. And we know that the Premier League is a very good league to improve because it’s tough. It’s intense and especially for young players. It’s the perfect environment to adapt and in the end they want to play for Brighton and we want that they play for Brighton.”
Which is a mighty big hint that the loan at Leicester for Buonanotte would be a great precedent to follow and sending Ferguson out temporarily on loan might be best for the player too. Which would also suit West Ham down to the ground this January. Previously Brighton had confirmed they’d not be making a decision much before deadline day.
Sounds as if Hurzeler might well be leaning towards a loan away for his young striker.
