Transfer latest: Walker-Peters joins West Ham and Ferguson closing on Roma move | Transfer window
West Ham Secure Kyle Walker-Peters as Graham Potter Bolsters Squad
West Ham United have officially announced the signing of free agent Kyle Walker-Peters, adding the former Tottenham Hotspur full-back to Graham Potter’s growing squad. The move marks a meaningful step in the Hammers’ summer transfer business, which has been described as slow-paced until now.Walker-Peters,who spent five years at Southampton,enduring two relegations during his tenure,expressed his enthusiasm for the move,citing Potter’s influence as a key factor. “He was a big, big part of me making the decision,” Walker-Peters stated. “I’ve always liked his style as a coach and I think it’s going to suit me best. He spoke about trying to make the club like a real family feel and that’s what I’m all about and I’d like to think I’m a good fit.”
The 27-year-old, who earned two caps for England in 2022, is expected to slot in at right-back for West Ham. His arrival follows the signings of El Hadji malick diouf from Slavia prague and youngster Daniel Cummings from Celtic, as Potter continues to shape his team for the upcoming season.
potter lauded the new recruit, stating, “He is a player I’ve always thought highly of and been impressed by whenever he has faced one of my teams.He has a really good pedigree, a top professional who has established himself as a respected Premier league player and still has his best years in front of him.”
In separate transfer news, Republic of Ireland striker Evan Ferguson has reportedly travelled to Italy to finalize a loan move from Brighton & Hove Albion to AS Roma. Footage emerged on Sunday evening showing Ferguson being greeted by a crowd of fans at the airport.Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler, speaking from Las Palmas where the club is preparing for a pre-season friendly, confirmed that ferguson remains part of Brighton’s long-term plans. The season-long loan is intended to help the young forward rediscover his form after a period affected by injuries and a loss of momentum under both Hürzeler and his predecessor, roberto De Zerbi.
“For us it is always crucial the individual players have an habitat where they can develop, we decided the loan was the best option for us,” Hürzeler commented. “he is still a player of us, he still brings quality with him, he is a target player and I am sure when he gets more game time he will one day be back and be an important player for us.”
Ferguson spent the latter half of last season on loan at West Ham,a spell that saw him start just one match and fail to score under Potter,the manager who initially gave him his breakthrough at Brighton. Ferguson signed a six-year contract with Brighton in 2023. Reports in Italy suggest the deal with Roma is an initial loan with a €40 million (£34.5m) option to buy.