Derby County dealt Ipswich Town transfer blow as Sam Morsy exit twist emerges | OneFootball

The Rams look set to miss out on the signing of the Ipswich Town midfielder.

Derby County look set to miss out on the signing of Ipswich Town midfielder Sam Morsy, as he is understood to be heading for the Middle East.

The 33-year-old has been linked with a move to the Rams in recent days, as Ipswich continue to undergo an overhaul of their squad following relegation from the Premier League.

Morsy, an Egypt international, has been with the Tractor Boys since the summer of 2021, and played a leading role in the club's ascension from League One to the top flight of English football.

Derby set to miss out on Morsy as Ipswich hero heads for Kuwait

Journalist Alan Nixon revealed via his Patreon account last weekend that Derby boss John Eustace was targeting a move for Morsy, with his experience and leadership qualities making obvious appeal.

However, Nixon also stated that there is overseas interest in him too, and now it appears we know where that is coming from: Kuwait.

That's because a report from the East Anglian Daily Times on Tuesday has revealed that it's their understanding that Kuwait FC have tabled a 'lucrative' offer for Morsy, and that Ipswich won't look to receive a transfer fee for him so long as he doesn't sign for another English club.

This is said to be a way of repaying his excellent service to the club by enabling him to conclude a swift and smooth exit from Portman Road, who is understood to be excited by a different challenge away from East Anglia.

Morsy is still contracted with Ipswich until next summer, but whilst it's understood both manager Kieran McKenna and the player have expressed a mutual interest in continuing to work together, talks over extending his contract with the club have failed to move forward.

The Tractor Boys have also just completed the £7.8m signing of central midfielder Azor Matusiwa from Rennes, which could only serve to impact Morsy's ability to retain regular starting opportunities at Portman Road next season.

Derby County must now explore other options to restock John Eustace's midfield

Having seen superb loanees Harrison Armstrong and David Ozoh return to parent clubs Everton and Crystal Palace respectively, Eustace knows he needs to bolster his central midfield options once again this summer.

In Ebou Adams, the Rams have found their beating heart in the middle of the park, but the jury is still out on last summer's signings of Ben Osborn and Kenzo Goudmijn, as well as academy graduate Liam Thompson.

DerbyFootball League World exclusively revealed in June - but that 'will he, won't he?' saga continues to rumble on.

So, whilst the signing of Morsy would've been a strong addition to the squad given his experience, leadership and proven ability to perform at Championship level, County must now put this disappointment behind them quickly, as the start date for the 25/26 season begins to loom ever larger on the horizon.