West Ham United’s Transfer Push: Daniel Cummings and Evan Ferguson on the Radar

West Ham United is actively working to strengthen its attacking options before the transfer window closes, with manager Graham Potter looking to bring in both experienced reinforcements and promising young talents. The Hammers have already reached an agreement to sign Brighton striker Evan Ferguson on loan until the end of the season, but they are also determined to secure the services of Celtic’s teenage forward Daniel Cummings.

West Ham’s Move for Daniel Cummings

West Ham has already agreed to a pre-contract deal with Cummings, meaning he is set to join the club in the summer. However, the club is pushing to bring him in early, submitting an initial bid of £500,000 on February 2. Celtic rejected this offer, but West Ham is preparing an improved bid before the transfer window deadline at 11 PM.

Cummings has been a standout performer in Celtic’s youth system this season, scoring an incredible 24 goals in 26 matches. His performances have not gone unnoticed, and he was handed his senior debut by Brendan Rodgers in Celtic’s Champions League clash against Aston Villa on January 29, a game they lost 4-2. His ability to find the back of the net consistently at youth level has made him an attractive prospect for several clubs, but West Ham has moved quickly to secure his future.

While Celtic could hold onto Cummings until the summer, they are only entitled to around £300,000 in training compensation if he departs at the end of the season. That leaves an opening for West Ham to negotiate a fee that would allow them to bring him in immediately, giving him time to adjust to life in English football before the next campaign.

Evan Ferguson’s Loan Move: Immediate Impact

In addition to their pursuit of Cummings, West Ham has secured a loan deal for Brighton’s Evan Ferguson. The Republic of Ireland international is seen as a key short-term solution to West Ham’s striker shortage, with Michail Antonio, Niclas Füllkrug, and Jarrod Bowen all struggling with injuries. Ferguson’s arrival will provide much-needed cover and competition in the forward line as the Hammers push for a strong finish to the season.

Ferguson, who has already impressed in the Premier League with Brighton, is expected to slot straight into West Ham’s squad and provide an attacking boost. His ability to play both as a lone striker and in a two-man system makes him an ideal addition for Graham Potter’s side, which has been struggling for goals in recent weeks.

West Ham’s Recruitment Strategy Under Graham Potter

Since arriving at West Ham, Potter has emphasized the importance of long-term squad planning, combining the signing of experienced players with the recruitment of young talents who can develop into first-team stars. His track record at Brighton showed his ability to nurture young players, turning unknown prospects into Premier League-quality players.

The pursuit of Cummings fits this philosophy perfectly. While he may not be expected to make an immediate impact at West Ham, he represents a long-term investment for the club. The fact that the Hammers are pushing to sign him early suggests they believe he has the potential to develop quickly, potentially following a similar path to Ferguson, who rose from Brighton’s academy into the first team at a young age.

Additionally, West Ham’s recent transfer activity highlights their ambition to build a squad capable of competing at the highest level. With European qualification still a possibility this season, the club is ensuring they have both the squad depth and future talent needed to sustain success.

Final Hours of the Transfer Window: Will West Ham Complete Both Deals?

With the transfer deadline fast approaching, the next few hours will be crucial for West Ham. The club has already secured Ferguson, but the focus is now on finalizing a deal for Cummings. Celtic may be reluctant to lose the young striker before the summer, but West Ham’s willingness to increase their offer could make a difference.

If both moves are completed, West Ham fans will have plenty to be excited about. Ferguson would provide an immediate attacking boost, while Cummings would be a signing for the future, potentially developing into a key player for the club in the coming years.

As the transfer window nears its conclusion, all eyes will be on West Ham’s negotiations with Celtic to see if they can finalize a deal for one of Scotland’s most promising young forwards.