Portsmouth FC must be aware of big red flag if player signs – But West Brom evidence is compelling | OneFootball

Nathan Ferguson is on trial at Portsmouth, and Pompey must remain cautious over the potential arrival of the former West Brom man.

Portsmouth managed to steer themselves clear of relegation last season, and now the south coast outfit will be preparing to cement themselves and re-establish themselves as a Championship stalwart.

John Mousinho’s Pompey have often done some intriguing business in the last couple of years, with players arriving from Australia as well as mainland Europe, but the potential signing of Nathan Ferguson drifts from that policy.

Ferguson wouldn’t necessarily represent a ‘hit and hope’ piece of business, but a case of a club knowing they could well have a gem on their hands if they pursue a deal following his trial period with the club.

However, the idea of it being a ‘hit and hope’ doesn’t stretch reality too far, though, as there are some major concerns over Ferguson – and it would also represent a major risk.

Ferguson’s impressive time at West Brom

At the age of 24, Birmingham-born Ferguson has, quite remarkably, only managed 22 senior first-team appearances during his professional career due to that career being ravaged by injury.

However, all the way back in the 2019/20 campaign, West Bromwich Albion unearthed a talent that many believed was destined for a long Premier League career and potentially even England recognition at some point in the future.

In 21 appearances during that Championship season, as the Baggies gained automatic promotion back to the top-flight under the management of Slaven Bilic, Ferguson established himself as a key man for Albion.

With a mentality and maturity that appeared way beyond his years, Ferguson was an immediate hit at The Hawthorns, starting on the opening day of the campaign after a strong pre-season and then going on to play in a further 20 games for a promotion chasing Albion side until the end of January.

His versatility also stood out as he, someone who has a dominant right foot and more of a natural centre-back, filled in at left-back for West Brom to showcase his abilities.

An England youth international, his promise and potential was so immense that Premier League side Crystal Palace came in for him at the end of his contract in 2020 and he moved to Selhurst Park on a four-year deal.

The risk for Portsmouth and Ferguson

Premier League football appeared an inevitability for Ferguson but, over the course of four seasons at Selhurst Park, he managed to make just one appearance for the club.

A serious knee injury occurred just weeks after moving to Croydon and then repeated injuries, in all variety, saw him eventually have to depart the club this summer at the end of his contract as something of a forgotten man.

The fact he has played so few games will be of a major concern to Mousinho, and hence the trial period being required before or if he joins, and it will be something that will have to be in Mousinho and the club’s minds as they make their decision.

However, such was the potential of Ferguson, and outright quality already, the lure of being able to get him back to his best will be strong for Pompey – who, if he got back to what he was for half a season at West Brom, could sign one of the most promising defenders in the Championship on a free transfer, and he is only still 24.