Ex-West Brom ace Nathan Ferguson heads to pre-season tour with Championship rivals
West Brom looked to have stumbled upon a future star when Nathan Ferguson made his breakthrough.
Ferguson, 18 at the time, quickly became a regular for the Baggies in the 2019/20 season, making 21 appearances before a knee operation ended his season prematurely.
West Brom had hoped to keep the teenager, but Premier League side Crystal Palace had turned his head and signed the defender on a free transfer at the end of the season.
Ferguson trialling with Portsmouth
Ferguson’s move to Palace was quickly dampened by a mountain of injury issues.
A further knee problem kept the youngster out for almost the entirety of the 2021/22 season, and most of the following campaign too.
And after Ferguson spent another season in the medical room, Palace decided against renewing his contract.
Upon the expiry of his deal in 2024, the defender had made just one first-team appearance for the South London side, and only 10 for the Under-21s.
While Baggies fans may harbour some hard feelings over Ferguson’s decision to leave, they will certainly be happy to see that, after a year away from club football, the defender is back on the pitch.
According to Andrew Moon, the 24-year-old is on trial with the Portsmouth camp in Slovakia, along with former Reading and Blackpool goalkeeper Stuart Moore.
Ferguson can reach potential
When Ferguson first broke through, his potential was clear for all to see.
A tough-tackling, rugged defender, but possessing superb pace and skills, he looked to be the next big thing at The Hawthorns.
While the past five years will have been incredibly tough for Ferguson, he will hope that a year away from the game will have allowed his body to recover.
The full-back will certainly need to shake off the rust, but if the ability that made him such an exciting talent is to return, he will have no problem finding a club.
Portsmouth look to have jumped the pack in that respect, and fans of the Baggies will know, more than anyone, that Ferguson could make for a brilliant option in the Championship.
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