London, Feb 3 (NationPress) West Ham United has officially confirmed the acquisition of promising striker Evan Ferguson on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion for the remainder of the 2024/25 season.

The 20-year-old Republic of Ireland international reunites with Head Coach Graham Potter, who gave Ferguson his senior debut for Brighton at just 16 years and ten months in August 2021.

Potter also facilitated Ferguson's FA Cup and Premier League debuts at the age of 17 during the 2021/22 season, where he also made his debut for the Republic of Ireland's U21 team.

Ferguson scored 16 goals for Brighton in the subsequent two seasons under Roberto De Zerbi, including 12 in the Premier League, and became a senior Republic of Ireland international and goalscorer—all before turning 20.

Now, under Potter and his former Brighton coaches Billy Reid and Bruno Saltor, the forward from County Meath aims to replicate his impressive form in a Claret and Blue jersey.

“I’m thrilled to be here. Seeing the stadium today, I feel very positive. I understand the significance of West Ham United. This is a tremendous opportunity for me. I’m familiar with the gaffer and look forward to working with him again,” Ferguson stated to West Ham TV.

In January 2021, amidst considerable interest from clubs throughout Europe, Ferguson joined Brighton. After showcasing his talent with the Seagulls’ development side, he made his first-team debut for Potter in an EFL Cup victory at Cardiff City at age 16 years and ten months.

His FA Cup debut followed in January 2022, and shortly after, he made his Premier League debut against Burnley.

In the following season, Ferguson debuted for the Republic of Ireland in November 2022, going on to become the youngest Irishman to score in the Premier League with a goal against Arsenal. He concluded the season with ten goals in 25 appearances across all competitions, including six in the Premier League, and recorded his first senior goal for Ireland in a friendly against Latvia.

Head Coach Potter is enthusiastic about the opportunity to work with a player he first encountered after Ferguson’s transfer from League of Ireland club Bohemians to Brighton four years ago.

“I’m pleased we’ve been able to secure Evan on loan until the end of the season. He’s someone we know very well, and I appreciate the Board for enabling this transfer,” Potter remarked.

“He possesses numerous quality traits as a striker that will benefit our team in the coming months. We are eager to integrate him into our squad and observe his performance in the upcoming weeks,” Potter added.