Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler not ruling out January loan for Evan Ferguson

ON THE MOVE? Brighton and Hove Albion's Evan Ferguson warms up. Pic: Adam Davy/PA Wire.

Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler has not ruled out a loan transfer for Ireland striker Evan Ferguson this month - once he has regained full fitness after an ankle injury. 

The 20-year-old is expected back in training this week but has scored only once in 12 Premier League appearances this season, 10 as a substitute.

Ferguson has been linked with a loan to West Ham United, whose manager Graham Potter gave Ferguson his first-team debut at 17 in August 2021, with former West Ham and England midfielder Joe Cole also pushing for the move. 

Leicester City and Bournemouth have also been mentioned as possible destinations as the forward looks to increase his playing time.

“It's very important that Evan now gets back on the pitch,” Hurzeler said. “I think at the moment he suffers because of his injury. We will negotiate with Evan, what is important for him, what is important for his development, where can he improve the best and then we will make the decision together.” 

Loaning a player to another Premier League club, Hurzeler said, would not be a concern. 

“I think this decision should be chosen what's the best for the player and for the club,” he said. “In the end we sent [Facundo] Buonanotte to Leicester.

“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.

“So I think when they improve in their environment or in the league where we are also playing, it’s always very helpful. So that's why I'm not thinking about making the other teams better. It's more about what is the best for the player.”