West Bromwich Albion’s saga surrounding young academy graduate Nathan Ferguson just will not go away.
The 19-year-old has dazzled during his breakthrough season in the senior game but such performances have attracted the interest of Premier League and European heavyweights alike.
Ferguson has featured in 18 league matches this term, playing equal measure at both left and right-back, with AC Milan, Atletico Madrid, Juventus and Tottenham Hotspur just four of the clubs linked to his signature next month.
His contract is up at the end of the season but he’s yet to agree to an extension, one that would see his wages increase substantially, meaning the club could be willing to cash in on him in the January transfer window.
Not too long ago, fans at the Hawthorns were left begging him to sign after a star-studded showing, and although that opinion very much remains among some, others are starting to get slightly annoyed by it all.
Here’s what the Baggies faithful have been saying this week…
A couple of supporters find the talk about him wanting to leave the club a little far-fetched as they claim that the rising starlet loves Albion and that he’s clearly happy here.
While others suggested that he should remain at West Brom for development reasons and that the contract offer handed to him is very generous considering this is his first-ever season in the men’s game.
The Athletic reported that Ferguson has been offered ‘at least’ a 20-fold increase to his current deal which would take his wages well over £20k-per-week.
If he were to agree to that, it would make him the joint-third highest paid player amongst the Baggies squad according to Capology.
His apparent reluctance to sign the contract extension has led to some members of the Hawthorns faithful questioning his attitude and commitment to the club.
One claimed he had become ‘a bit big for his boots’ while another hinted that it was all about money and that is wouldn’t bother him if Ferguson were to be sold next month.
Some fans were quick to remind the 19-year-old of previous examples where players have left for supposed bigger and better things, only to see their careers quickly diminish.
Yan Dhanda, Jerome Sinclair, Izzy Brown and Saido Berahino were all frequently mentioned.
No clues: Can you name all of these Premier League icons? Test your knowledge below…
Meanwhile, his agent took some of the flak too…
It remains to be seen how January will pan out for the versatile defender, but either way, the Baggies have strength in depth in the full-back areas so they’ll be able to cope with any eventualities.
And in other Baggies news, West Brom have received a festive boost with one key man set to return…
