Celtic transfer edge over Leeds United could be a blow for Derby County | OneFootball

Patrick Agyemang's future could be the subject of intense transfer speculation this summer

Patrick Agyemang has been key to propelling Derby County into a battle for a play-off place this season.

The Rams barely survived relegation in their first year back in the Championship, coming 19th in the table, just one point clear of the bottom three.

But a summer of heavy investment led to the American striker joining in a deal worth an initial £5.8 million, rising to a possible £7.3 million.

This was a big outlay for the Derbyshire outfit, with a number of other arrivals adding to their busy summer window.

But the risk has paid off so far, with Agyemang bagging 10 goals and three assists from his first 34 league appearances for the club, with John Eustace’s side now in contention for a play-off place.

However, if he keeps up this level of performance then it might not be long before Derby are fending off major offers for the 25-year-old, particularly if the team are unable to earn promotion to the Premier League.

Celtic transfer edge could hurt Derby County

It has been reported that Celtic have an edge on Leeds United in the race to sign Kasper Hogh from Bodo/Glimt, which could come as a blow to Derby.

The Dane was a revelation for the Norwegian side in their Champions League campaign, playing a key role in their run to the Last 16 of the competition for the very first time.

However, if he signs for the Glasgow giants then it could lead the Whites back to their interest in Ageymang.

It was reported in the January window that the Premier League side were keen on signing the forward, and it’s been claimed that they are still interested in his services.

Derby have reportedly set a £20 million asking price for the US international, but it would be a huge loss if he was sold this summer given how important he’s been.

The 25-year-old has been a strong presence in Eustace’s side this season, both in a literal and metaphorical sense.

His size has offered an advantage on the pitch, and he’s won an impressive 3.58 aerial duels per 90 for the Rams (all stats from Opta, via Fotmob), making him an ideal target man for this team.

Agyemang is also taking 2.69 shots, while also creating 0.90 chances per 90, making him a solid attacking threat in the final third.

That he’s also taking 6.79 touches in the penalty area per game also highlights the kind of danger he brings close to goal, which any good team needs from their forward.

Leeds United could step up Patrick Agyemang chase this summer

Derby could have to bank on promotion to the Premier League to stand any chance of keeping Agyemang beyond the season.

Leeds are reportedly keen on bolstering their frontline in the summer, and missing out on Hogh to Celtic will only shorten the options available to them.

It would come as no surprise if they were to turn to Agyemang, particularly as he would fit a direct style of play that we’ve seen from Daniel Farke’s side this year.

Someone of his size and prowess in the air could also make him a very valuable asset on set pieces for Leeds, which has become an important battleground in the Premier League.

A £20 million sale would no doubt be good business for Derby, and a major profit on the fee paid to sign him in 2025, but there’s no doubt it would be a blow for Eustace.

Derby will have to just as shrewd again in the market to find an adequate replacement for him in attack, otherwise sustaining another play-off push will prove quite a challenge.