Why Crystal Palace should reignite interest 19-year-old talent after January transfer collapse

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Rohan Sengupta

Why Crystal Palace must go for full-back Nathan Ferguson in the summer

Crystal Palace suffered deadline day disappointment after missing out on a move for West Brom right-back Nathan Ferguson.

The Evening Standard claims the teenager underwent a medical in south London on Wednesday but a deal collapsed over a knee injury discovered during his medical. Crystal Palace attempted to renegotiate the deal on transfer deadline day but couldn’t come to an agreement with the Baggies.

The Eagles had made a good start to their January transfer window by signing Cenk Tosun on loan from Everton. But after the addition of Tosun, they struggled to build on that early promise and managed to sign only Scott Banks from Dundee United, although they loaned him to Scottish Championship side Alloa Athletic.

Nathan Ferguson 1
Nathan Ferguson of West Bromwich Albion makes a pass whilst under pressure from Sean Maguire of Preston North End during the Sky Bet Championship match between Preston North End and West Bromwich Albion at Deepdale on December 02, 2019 in Preston, England. (Getty Images)

Evening Standard adds Palace manager Roy Hodgson was desperate to add some cover at full-back, with the club failing to replace Aaron Wan-Bissaka following his move to Manchester United in the summer.

Having conceded 29 times so far in the Premier League, the Eagles’ defence has helped them stay afloat in the Premier League table. But they certainly must have bolstered their attacking ranks further as goals have been really hard to come by. In addition, the full-back area certainly needed investment.

With Joel Ward enduring an injury-hit campaign at Selhurst Park, the Eagles have been forced to rely on Martin Kelly to fill the void at right-back. On the other side of the defence, Patrick van Aanholt has missed the last five league games with a knock.

While Jairo Riedewald has deputised well in Van Aanholt’s absence, Hodgson should prioritise signing a full-back in the summer. To put things plainly, the Eagles must make an attempt to sign Nathan Ferguson again.

Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson. (Getty Images)
Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson. (Getty Images)

Ferguson, 19, has emerged as a key player for the Baggies this season, excelling at full-back. He has played 21 games so far this term, scoring and assisting one each. However, the teenager is out of contract at the end of the season.

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He has become a reliable Championship player at such a tender age and would certainly continue improving with regular opportunities. The 19-year-old has proven that he can play on either side of the defence for West Brom. Ferguson’s versatility would be a plus for Hodgson’s Palace.

Verdict

The England Under-20 international is a very talented and promising young defender. Given he is only 19, Ferguson can only get better with age and Palace must definitely reignite their interest in the West Brom full-back when the summer transfer window opens.