At only 20 years old, Mathis Ferté is already panicking the market. Brilliant under the Brive jersey, the versatile full-back continues his high-flying performances in Pro D2 with 9 matches, 8 starts and 4 tries under his belt, including a double against Colomiers last Friday. Enough to attract the attention of the leaders of the Top 14, starting with Stade Toulousain. But be careful, the road leading to Ernest-Wallon is still strewn with pitfalls…
A visit that gets people talking
According to Rugby PrimeFerté recently visited the Toulouse facilities. Nothing illegal there: the player had warned his manager, Pierre-Henry Broncan, who himself had exchanged with Ugo Mola. This type of approach is always good for testing the waters. Especially since Toulouse has proven, with players like Arthur Retière, who knows how to transform hybrid profiles into gems that shine when duplicated. Full-back, winger, even scrum-half, Ferté ticks all the boxes.
But then, a guaranteed departure this summer? Not so fast.
A concrete contract
Brive has armored its jewel. Ferté extended until 2028, with no departure clause before 2027. In other words, if Toulouse (or another suitor) wants to recover it, it will be necessary to take out the checkbook to convince the Corrèze leaders to release their nugget. And Brive will not sell off its future.
Toulon also in the ranks
Besides Toulouse, Toulon would also have taken information. No meeting scheduled yet, but the interest is there. Between the two giants of the Top 14, the battle could be fierce. Especially since the RCT badly needs a high-level rear with the Jaminet uncertainty. However, everything will also depend on the player's ambitions. Loyal to his training club, Ferté could very well decide to stay one more season in Corrèze to continue his progress, before diving into the deep end of the Top 14.
A look at the U20 friends
The equation is simple: Ferté is ambitious, but patient. He sees several of his former teammates in the French U20 team break out into the elite, starting with Léo Carbonneau, who will join Racing 92 next summer. Will Ferté follow his example, or will he prefer to continue the adventure with the CABCL, especially if the results are there this season? We can imagine that if Brive moves back into the Top 14, the question will arise.
Ferté is a coveted gem, but to see him in a jersey other than that of Brive, you will still have to wait… or take out the checkbook. One thing is certain, the file must be followed closely in the months to come.
