According to The Athletic, Crystal Palace are ‘confident of signing’ Nathan Ferguson on a free transfer from West Bromwich Albion this summer. The 19-year-old has been on Palace’s radar for some time and nearly joined the London outfit in January before a knee problem showed up during Ferguson’s medical and led to the move falling apart. The Athletic say it’s inevitable that he’ll return when the campaign comes to a close, however.
After making 15 appearances for the U18s and 43 appearances for the U23s, Ferguson finally rose through the youth ranks to the West Brom first-team in 2019. The fullback has gone on to make 21 appearances in all competitions, scoring one goal and making one assist. Ferguson was a regular for the Baggies before the turn of the year, but an operation required on his knee injury led to him being sidelined for the second half of the season.
The England U20 international will be a free agent in the coming months, having opted against signing a new deal at West Brom, but the Eagles will be required to pay compensation due to his age. The Athletic say a tribunal to determine the cost may be resolved in 2021. Regardless, it will be bad news for Albion as Ferguson looked a bright prospect. The 19-year-old impressed so much that a Premier League club paid interest but Albion’s lack of foresight led to his contract running down.
Fortunately, Slaven Bilic still has Kieran Gibbs and Conor Townsend to turn to in Ferguson’s stead. Albion have also been linked with a move for Morgan Fox. That being said, it remains to be seen if they need the Sheffield Wednesday fullback given their existing options.
Time will tell what transpires this summer.
