Derby County face 'massive' Bobby Clark blow after West Ham twist | OneFootball

FLW's Derby fan pundit shares their thoughts on West Ham's rumoured interest in Bobby Clark

Derby County narrowly missed out on a place in the Championship top six on the final day of the season, but spirits around Pride Park will be high heading into next campaign, as the Rams hope to secure some key additions ahead of fierce competition.

Under John Eustace, Derby were much improved in the season just gone.

Having only narrowly avoided relegation by the skin of their teeth in 2025, Eustace sought to revamp the Rams squad last summer and made some key additions with the likes of Patrick Agyemang, Lewis Travis, and Rhian Brewster joining on permanent deals.

Derby successfully utilised the loan market to great effect, bringing in each of David Ozoh, Ben Brereton Diaz, Jayden Banel, and Bobby Clark, each of whom had a positive impact on the squad.

Clark, in particular, proved to be a massive coup for the Rams, joining on loan from Austrian side RB Salzburg, having come through the ranks at Liverpool before making the move across Europe to link back up with former Reds assistant boss Pepijn Lijnders in the Eastern Alps for around £10 million in the summer of 2024.

It's no secret that Derby are keen to sanction the return of the midfielder this summer, but now face heavy pressure from a division rival, which may put a spanner in the works.

Derby County face fresh transfer worry following West Ham United's interest in Bobby Clark

Clark, 21, scored three and assisted four in 42 Championship appearances for Derby in the campaign just gone, and endeared himself to the Rams faithful for his displays in the middle of the park.

However, Derby could be set for heartbreak in their pursuit of the former Liverpool player, with West Ham reportedly registering an interest in the midfielder.

West Ham's relegation to the Championship means they will be playing Derby next season, and now, Nuno Espirito Santo's side is seemingly keen to prise Clark to London over a return to Derbyshire this summer.

Football League World's Derby fan pundit, Shaun Woodward, has shared their thoughts on West Ham's links to Clark, and what their interest could potentially mean for the Rams' pursuit of the midfielder.

Shaun said: "Yeah, this would be a massive blow given the season he had for us, how much he improved as the season went on. Once he got used to the kind of physicality of the Championship, he found his feet, and he was superb for us, really instrumental.

"I don't think his figures for goals and assists really show how good he was. I feel next season he really would kick on and be a massive, massive player for us.

"But realistically, we can't compete with the likes of West Ham. I don't blame them for coming in and wanting players like Bobby Clark because they're going to have a big clear-out this summer, and they're going to need players that know what the Championship's like and can improve them.

"Given his age, he's only going to get better. His technical abilities are right up there, and he's going to thrive, and as much as I'll be gutted to see him not in a Derby shirt, I can't really argue with the fact that if West Ham go in for him, they're going to get him.

"They're a massive club, and they're competing in a different kind of market to us with the clout they've got with parachute payments, etc.

"So yeah, it would be disappointing to see him in a West Ham shirt, but if that's the case, so be it; we move on to other targets. But yeah, I would be very disappointed."

John Eustace must now convince Bobby Clark to make permanent Derby County switch amid West Ham United interest

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Eustace has made it no secret his desire to bring back his loan stars from this season, including Clark, previously saying: "We want to progress, we want to build, we want to grow the football club and we want to keep as many of our top players as we can and Bobby's certainly one of them.

"I think everyone connected with Derby can see how well he's done, and he's really part of the family, and we'd love to continue with his development. He's a top young player, and he's an absolute pleasure to work with. I know there's a lot more to come from him as well."

Clark, too, has shared his love for his time at Pride Park, previously saying: "Obviously, I've had the conversations with them (Derby). I've loved every minute of it here, working under the gaffer and playing under these fans with these players.

"I've loved it, and I'd love to play for Derby again, but there are a lot of things happening in the process to do that."

It seems certain that Clark's time in Austria will come to an end this summer, as whilst Derby's interest is rife, competition from West Ham almost certainly make a deal more complicated.

Scottish side Rangers have also previously shown an interest in the midfielder, as Eustace has his work cut out for him if he is to make a deal happen this summer.