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Published January 30, 2025 4:39pm Updated January 30, 2025 4:39pm
Fabian Hurzeler is set for more discussions with Evan Ferguson before deciding if the Brighton striker leaves the club in the final days of the January transfer window.
Ferguson has returned to first-team training and is available for selection after a seven-game layoff with an ankle injury.
However, the Republic of Ireland forward has found it hard to force his way into Hurzeler’s first-team plans this season given the impressive form of Danny Welbeck and Joao Pedro.
The 20-year-old has made just two Premier League starts this campaign and has just the one goal from his 14 appearances in all competitions.
That lack of game time has left Ferguson seeking a loan move away in January, with West Ham reportedly leading the race for his signature.
Arsenal were also tentatively linked with a surprise move for the striker, but the Gunners are now targeting a late deal for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins having lodged their first bid on Wednesday.
Speaking ahead of Brighton’s clash with Nottingham Forest, Hurzeler admitted that Ferguson was keen to play more and said he and the striker would have more conversations before deciding on the best course of action.
‘My job is to focus on the work with the players outside on the pitch, that’s what we do,’ the German said.
‘We trained very well yesterday, he trained well yesterday. The other things we can’t influence. He knows my thoughts, the thoughts of the club, we know the thoughts from Evan. That’s the important thing.
‘I’m happy he is in our squad, I want to keep working with him. Like I said, it’s always important to discuss with him the importance of the development of the player.
‘That’s the main thing of the club. We want to improve the development of the players, we want to help him, therefore we need an exchange, then we see what makes sense for the player in the next six months, we will make a decision together, it’s not an individual decision.
‘I felt in the conversations that I have had with Evan that he only wants to play, that is the main thing. No matter if it is here or at another club.’
West Ham manager Graham Potter was also quizzed about the potential signing of Ferguson but kept his cards close to his chest, saying: ‘He doesn’t play for West Ham, does he? So, I’m not going to speak about it.’
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