Kevin Phillips blames West Brom over paltry £900,000 Nathan Ferguson compensation fee
We’re delighted to welcome former West Brom striker Kevin Phillips as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at The Hawthorns…
Kevin Phillips has told West Brom to get their house in order after Crystal Palace were ordered to pay just £900,000 for Nathan Ferguson.
The 21-year-old joined Palace as a free agent in the summer of 2020 but was due to join them in January 2020 for £11million before he failed a medical.
Ferguson’s contract then wound down as he refused to accept fresh terms at The Hawthorns and eventually made his way to Selhurst Park as a free agent.
Albion have been due compensation for Ferguson and while it’s been a long wait, The Athletic have recently reported that all the Black Country club will get for their former exciting prospect is £900,000.
Ex-sporting and technical director Luke Dowling reportedly expected between £5million and £10million for the England Under-20s right-back.
However, Valerien Ismael’s budget ahead of January hasn’t been boosted anywhere near as much as that and Phillips feels that is entirely West Brom’s fault.
Speaking to West Brom News, Super Kev said: “It’s just one of those, they have to deal with it.
“Nowadays, £900,000 is nothing, it’s an absolute snip when you consider the fee Crystal Palace were going to pay.
“You have to say well done to them for getting him for that but from West Brom’s point of view, it’s a blow because these funds will have helped strengthen the squad in January.
“They can feel hard done by but unfortunately, if you don’t do it right and let a player’s contract run down and he leaves for free, you have to look at your own house and ask yourself why did you let it get to that?
“It’s a blow for West Brom but a good deal for Crystal Palace.”
Ferguson has not played for Palace since joining them due to continual injury issues.
In other West Brom news, Neil Lennon was thrilled with this Albion fringe player in the win over Hull.
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