Away from the Mohammed Kudus headlines: Those of us who had a sneaking suspicion that West Ham’s manager botched the handling of his forwards last season will get to either say “I told you so’ or eat humble pie if news from AS Roma proves correct. Today, reportedly the Italian club are planning a move for a West Ham discard who sat on the bench for half a year waiting in vain for Potter to give him a chance.
Loanee Evan Ferguson – the only sighting of the winter as Graham Potter landed at London Stadium mid window, in fairness, did not get a fair crack of the whip despite at times being West Ham’s only striker option ready to replace Niclas Fullkrug who himself was feeling his way back from injury.
It seemed criminal to loan the young striker from Brighton and then absolutely ignore him. Ferguson who was once valued by the Seagulls at £100million before his injury-plagued couple of years kicked in. The total amount of game time given by Graham Potter was under 90 minutes for the whole second half of the season.
What a missed opportunity. It wasn’t as fig the Hammers were setting the world on fire with goals from every position either. Dull, dour defensive football took over and Ferguson became invisible.
Now Ferguson will have his chance to stick two fingers up at Potter and West Ham if the latest news is correct: According to SkySports:
Roma are interested in a loan with an obligation to buy for Brighton striker Evan Ferguson.
“The Italian club were interested in the forward two years ago and have reignited their interest this summer.
Ferguson, who spent the second half of last season on loan at West Ham, is understood to have other offers.
The Italian club hope to bring in the 20-year-old to bolster new boss Gian Piero Gasperini’s strike force.”
Incredible how Potter’s discard can become Gasperini’s frontman. Time will tell who made the right call on Ferguson’s talent. Handled differently, he could still be at West Ham. I’m 100% sure he will go on to become a huge success.
Obviously Brighton don’t rate him either so …
Brighton’s problem not ours. Another loan and no indication of the underlying price of the obligation. Plenty of other less risky alternatives out there that haven’t had major injuries.
I’m sure Ferguson won’t be sticking his fingers up at Potter if he’s a success at Roma. Ferguson will be thanking Potter the manager who brought him through at Brighton where he was a big success until he got seriously injured. Potter has nurtured him through his come back from injury and taken the pressure off the young lads shoulders. I’m sure if he goes onto be a success at Roma he will be really thankful for what Graham Potter has done for him.
Does anyone ever contemplate why Brighton don’t want to keep Evan Ferguson in all of this? I mean he was one of their most promising young players ever until he got injured.
You didn’t see him train I’m sure Potter would of played him if there were signs he could handle it. Sometimes you have to respect peoples judgement.
Exactly Paul.Lets leave Potter to get on with the job in hand as im quite sure he knows a lot more than us about managing a football club .COYI