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Derby County look to be just days away from signing Patrick Agyemang from Charlotte FC as John Eustace continues to strengthen his side.
The Rams avoided relegation on the final day of 2024/25, and their head coach is not resting on his laurels as he builds a team capable of fighting further up the Championship in the upcoming season.
Danny Batth has reunited with the ‘outstanding’ Eustace after leaving Blackburn Rovers, while Andreas Weimann has made his way back to Pride Park. Richard O’Donnell will provide further cover in goal and Carlton Morris will lead the line.
However, there are high expectations for the arrival of Agyemang, with John Percy reporting that Derby have agreed a £5.8m deal with Charlotte FC for the striker. Although there are some concerns from those in his home country.
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Stu Holden slams into Patrick Agyemang after USA performance ahead of Derby County move
Agyemang featured for the USA in the Gold Cup final on Sunday evening, but despite his side taking an early lead, Mexico went on to take victory.
The 24-year-old perhaps did not have his best game, and former Bolton Wanderers forward Stu Holden was clear about that following the final whistle. He said: “When I think about ruthlessness, that’s what’s missing from Patrick Agyemang’s game.
“We talked throughout the tournament about stuff that he does so well for this team; he holds up play, uses his frame well, lots of selfless running off the ball.
“But to be a striker at the national team level and to be a starter for the national team at the very top level in the biggest games, you’ve got to be more of a presence in front of goal. You have to be dangerous, you have to be finishing off chances.
“He had a couple of looks tonight and for whatever reason it was, it was a touch inside, he’s off-balance, he misses the ball. That’s the difference between maybe Agyemang and then [Ricardo] Pepi and [Folarin] Balogun.”
Carlton Morris may be John Eustace’s first choice striker for now
Agyemang is still a very raw player, and Eustace will know that. In Morris, however, the Rams have a player with plenty of Championship experience and he may be given the chance in the first few weeks to claim the number nine position for himself.
Building the American’s confidence will be crucial for Derby in the coming months and getting him adjusted to the division may take a little bit of time.
However, with the right service and players around him, the 24-year-old has the chance to become a star at Pride Park and there should not be fears over Agyemang’s fee.