With just nine Premier league games remaining for [West Ham](https://www.claretandhugh.info/west-ham-and-newcastle-in-transfer-tug-of-war-as-potter-finally-has-enough/) and little left to play for, the conspiracy theorists are emerging in full force!
Evan Fergusons lack of playing time has been widely discussed. Initially, it was believed to be due to a fitness issue, yet with West Ham struggling to create chances, and in dire need for a traditional striker, his mere 92 minutes of action in a Claret and Blue shirt have only raised more questions than answers.
The most common theory is that if West Ham truly wish to recruit the player in the summer – limiting his playing time will increase their negotiating position. Personally I am sceptical of this idea, and believe the reality is that Ferguson simply hasn’t impressed Graham Potter enough to warrant a starting place in the team. For context in 20 appearances for both Brighton and West Ham this season, totalling just 482 minutes he has registered one goal.
Ferguson’s fitness will be tested in the next two Irish games, but if he picks up an injury while on international duty, this loan could end up being seen as waste of time for everyone involved.
Then there’s Luis Guilherme, a player sought after by a number of Europes top clubs, but struggling to get minutes at West Ham. He recently scored in a behind-closed-doors friendly, and netted for the Under 21s in a rare appearance against Benfica, in an international group cup game, even winning Goal of the Month, back in September.
The real reason for his lack of game time might lie in the add ons, allegedly £5.86m which were included in the transfer deal from Palmeiras, along with a sell on clause. If West Ham want to recoup their initial outlay then appearances in the first team will hinder this. It has been well documented that Tim Steidten overpaid for the youngster, but with interest from a number of other clubs, a deal was done to secure his services.
The conspiracy theorists were similarly out in force suggesting Jean-Claude Todibo’s initial lack of game time was linked to triggering the buy clause in his loan, but this theory has been debunked with Todibo having made nineteen appearances so far this season.
The line between fact and fiction can be blurry. However it is curious that both Ferguson and Guilherme aren’t getting more chances to prove themselves to Potter and his team, as they could either confirm the manager’s views or provide a pleasant surprise!
With each position in the Premier League worth an estimated £3.1m, there is a strong case for Potter to experiment more with the squad of players available to him.