What Darren Ferguson once said about Josh Knight will excite Portsmouth fans
Portsmouth are edging closer to the signing of Josh Knight from Hannover 96.
Knight looks set to sign for Portsmouth after negotiations over a move back to England were given the green light by the 2. Bundesliga side.
This looks likely to hand John Mousinho’s side a boost to sign the defender ahead of the 1 September transfer deadline at Fratton Park.
Many fans may have little knowledge of Josh Knight, especially given his surprise free transfer switch to the German outfit last summer.
As a result, it will be hugely positive to learn what Peterborough United boss Darren Ferguson made of the centre-back in his days at the Weston Homes Stadium.
Darren Ferguson has heaped praise on Josh Knight
It is fair to say that defensive depth is required for Pompey right now, especially after an up-and-down start to the campaign in PO4.
This most recently saw Conor Shaughnessy line up alongside Regan Poole against Norwich City, with a lack of an alternative centre-back on the bench.
There is no getting away from the concern that this must represent for Portsmouth, with Knight potentially set to replace Rob Atkinson this summer.
The South Coast club are edging closer to the signing of the Englishman and are seemingly leading the race ahead of other Championship and League One sides.
With that in mind, supporters at Fratton Park are keen to know more about their potential new signing, with Ferguson’s previous comments suggesting Pompey could strike gold.
Speaking via Peterborough United’s official website in July 2021, the 53-year-old manager was hugely complimentary of Knight.
He said: “He ticks every box, and the most pleasing thing for us is that it is a permanent deal. We have had him on a couple of loans before, so it is great to be able to say he is ours.
“He had good experience with Wycombe Wanderers in the Championship last season, he was their best player and was voted player of the season. That year will stand him in good stead.
“He predominantly played as a centre half at Wycombe, that is his favoured position, so that is the position we are bringing him in as, but I know he can play midfield, so that is a bonus.
“I guess it is very much like Dan Butler, who can play as a wing-back or as a left-back, he has that flexibility, but Josh wants to play centre half, and that gives me good competition.”
Knight represents a real coup for Portsmouth
So far this summer, Pompey have conducted some really shrewd business in the transfer market.
The signing of Adrien Segecic from Sydney FC has proven to be an excellent deal already, while
John Swift looks to be a useful addition.
The next addition could prove to be Knight, as a return to English shores looks likely with Portsmouth set to land the highly rated 27-year-old.
There is no getting away from the fact that the Englishman will be a superb addition, especially coming off the back of a terrific campaign in the 2. Bundesliga.
| Stats per 90 | Josh Knight |
| Tackles | 0.74 |
| Duels won | 5.66 |
| Interceptions | 0.98 |
| Fouls won | 0.98 |
| Accurate passes | 30.02 |
| Goals | 0.18 |
The ex-Leicester City youngster profiles extremely well and could thrive under Mousinho in the Championship if given regular minutes.
It will be interesting to see how he deals with the change in league and division, especially as he looks destined to challenge directly with Poole.
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