Derby County ‘Lead The Race’ As Target ‘Leaning’ Towards Move
Derby County are leading the race for MLS striker Patrick Agyemang, who is leaning towards a move to the Rams amid interest from the Belgian Pro League.
The Rams managed to rescue themselves from the threat of relegation last season after John Eustace came in to replace Paul Warne.
On loan striker from Swansea City, Jerry Yates, played a big part for Derby, scoring ten league goals in 42 games.
Now, Eustace will need a prolific striker, as scoring goals is going to be important for the Rams to have a comfortable next term in Championship.
Derby have shown big interest in United States forward Agyemang, who plays for MLS outfit Charlotte FC, where Dean Smith is in charge.
n the ongoing MLS campaign, the 24-year-old has scored six league goals and provided an assist in 16 games.
He has no shortage of suitors as clubs from the Championship and top-flight Belgian outfits are keen on him.
However, according to Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Derby ‘lead the race’ as the player is ‘leaning more’ towards going to the Championship than the Pre League.
Agyemang is preferring a move to Pride Park, but the Rams are yet to agree on personal terms with the 24-year-old.
However, it has been suggested that all parties involved in the negotiations are optimistic that a deal can be struck.
Agyemang’s current deal at Charlotte is due to expire at the end of the year and Derby will be hoping to get the American hitman at a reasonable price.
Derby County have become the latest club in the English game to launch a B team.
The new side will take part in the Central League and Derbyshire Senior Cup as well as playing several elite senior friendlies, while the club’s Under-21s will continue to play in Premier League 2 and the Premier League Cup.
The plan has been supported and approved by the club’s Board of Directors, as well as men’s First Team Head Coach John Eustace.
The Rams follow the likes of Brentford, Huddersfield and Southampton in setting up a B team, although the Saints’ one has since been stopped. Brentford’s and Huddersfield’s have both been successful since launching in 2016 and 2020 respectively.
Derby’s Academy Manager Matt Hale (pictured) spent 10 years as Academy Manager at Southampton, during which time the club introduced their B team. Just before he left St Mary’s in May 2023, the side won the Premier League 2 Division 2 title. However, shortly after that, the Saints scrapped the side following the departure of Game Team Coach Dave Horseman.
Speaking about Derby’s B team, Hale said: “This innovative concept will provide a base for our high-potential Academy players to get game time alongside and against senior footballers, with a key aim of bringing the First Team methodology closer to the Academy.”
