Portsmouth tipped to offer pay-as-you-play deal to ‘quality’ defender – Exclusive
Portsmouth will be hoping to make some more new additions to their squad before the Championship season begins.
The Blues have already recruited Adrian Segecic and John Swift, but they still look a little short in centre-midfield on the wings.
John Mousinho has recruited some triallists to run the rule over during Pompey’s pre-season friendlies, and they’ve done reasonably well so far.
In fact, one of these triallists has been tipped to earn a first-team contract on a unique pay-as-you-play basis.
Nathan Ferguson tipped to earn pay-as-you-play contract
Nathan Ferguson arrived at Portsmouth on trial after being released by Crystal Palace in 2024.
There were high hopes for the defender at Selhurst Park, but his injury struggles limited him to one appearance in four years there.
Ferguson is looking to rebuild his career and is adamant that his fitness troubles are behind him.
However, iconic commentator and Portsmouth fan Ian Darke insists that the Blues will remain wary about his potential to remain fit for selection.
In an exclusive interview with Pompey News, he said: “I don’t know what the deal would be if Nathan Ferguson was signed. I think it might be something along the lines of a pay-as-you-play deal.
“I think they’ve they’ve looked at him, and they think, if they can keep him fit, it’s a bit of quality to add to the squad.
“Crystal Palace paid a fair amount to West Bromwich Albion for him, but he never got to really play there, so the move was always almost stillborn.
“I think it’s just a punt. They’ll probably do the right kind of financial deal, as someone just to have around, but they’d be very, very wary of his injury record.”
Pay-as-you-play contract would allow Ferguson to prove himself to Portsmouth
Portsmouth already look well stacked in defence.
If there’s one area that might need covering, it’s a back-up for Connor Ogilvie at left-back.
Ferguson, 24, is capable of playing at left-back and at centre-half. That versatility could make him useful as a squad player, particularly if he’s willing to accept a pay-as-you-play contract.
That could be a good deal for both parties, as Ferguson will likely struggle to be offered any other type of contract, given his injury record.
| Year | Club | Appearances | Goals |
| 2017-2020 | West Bromwich Albion | 21 | 1 |
| 2020-2024 | Crystal Palace | 1 | 0 |
If Ferguson accepts a pay-as-you-play contract, remains fit and goes on to play well at Fratton Park, he could earn himself a long-term deal.
That would be a remarkable success story if it happens. It’s difficult to think of a high-profile player who has bounced back from this type of record to enjoy a fruitful career in England’s top two divisions.
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