Brighton loan Ferguson to West Ham, sign Greek teen Tzimas

BRIGHTON, England (AP) — Brighton signed one striker and loaned out another on the final day of the transfer window on the back of its heaviest ever Premier League defeat.

Stefanos Tzimas, a Greece under-21 international, joined from FC Nuremburg on a deal until 2030 — though he will remain at the second-tier German team until the end of the season. Tzimas had only just joined from PAOK Salonika, after Nuremberg activated an option to buy during this window.

Hours later, Brighton sent Ireland international Evan Ferguson on loan to fellow Premier League team West Ham for the rest of the season. It will see Ferguson link up again with Graham Potter, the West Ham manager who used to be in charge of Brighton.

"Evan has had a frustrating 12 months with injuries and for him to get back to the level he’s capable of and to continue his development he really needs to be playing regularly," Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler said. "This loan gives him that opportunity, and under a manager he knows well."

Ferguson has made 80 appearances in all competitions for Brighton since his debut as a 16-year-old in the League Cup under Potter, scoring 17 goals.

"It feels good to be here. Seeing the stadium and being here today, I've got a very good feeling," Ferguson told West Ham TV. "I can see and know how big West Ham United is. It was a big opportunity for me to come here. I know the gaffer well and look forward to working under him again."

Brighton lost 7-0 at Nottingham Forest on Saturday, its worst loss since the 1958-59 season.

West Ham also said James Ward-Prowse has returned to the club after a spell on loan at Forest.

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