Derby County-linked midfielder is a free agent - QPR & West Brom should look to pounce | OneFootball

Amine Bassi is currently a free agent, and after he was linked to Derby County in January, FLW has identified two other clubs who take interest.

In the January transfer window, it emerged that former Barnsley midfielder, Amine Bassi, was on the radar of Derby County as they looked to bring in another attacking midfielder to their ranks in their pursuit of a top six finish in the Championship.

That report came from Foot Mercato, and it stated that the 28-year-old was looking to return to Europe following a stint in the USA with MLS side Houston Dynamo, and the Rams were showing an interest.

However, John Eustace opted for a loan move for Sammie Szmodics instead from Ipswich Town, and Bassi remains a free agent at this moment in time. Yet, there is still a possibility that he could make a return to the second tier of English football.

Football League World has picked out two Championship clubs who should take an interest in Bassi as they seek free agent stars to help them in pursuit of their goals.

West Bromwich Albion

This has been a season to forget for West Bromwich Albion, and since hiring Eric Ramsay at the start of January following Ryan Mason's dismissal, their form has continued to struggle and they have not won a league game since 29 December.

Goals have been incredibly hard to come by for the Baggies, and they have scored just three times in their last six Championship matches since Ramsay moved to the West Midlands. It's a problem that needs addressing immediately, and having a new creative force in midfield can only be a positive.

Bassi scored twice and registered five assists in just 15 games for Barnsley during the 2021/22 campaign, and while it was not enough to keep the Tykes in the second tier, he was a breath of fresh air for a side that were battling towards the bottom of the division.

If he did make his way to The Hawthorns, then Isaac Price may find himself fighting for his position in the team, with the 22-year-old lacking form in the last couple of months, and he may just need a little bit of time out of the starting XI.

Meanwhile, Aune Heggebo's place in the team could also be at threat if Ramsay decides to play with a sole striker and an attacking midfielder. Bassi could take the Norwegian's place in the side with his goal drought now at 12 games.

West Brom need a player just like the Morocco international, and with Karlan Grant out for the foreseeable future, his versatility in those attacking roles could really come into play.

QPR

Julien Stephan has had a relatively inconsistent first season with QPR, but they still have a good chance of making the play-offs with the battle for the top six incredibly tight.

However, there have been some injuries in the forward positions at Loftus Road recently, including to Karamoko Dembélé, and while Bassi is not a player who can play out wide naturally, he does add more cover on the bench and depth to the attacking midfield position.

Similar to West Brom, QPR are not going to turn down a player who can offer creativity and goals. Dembélé is now injured with an ACL issue and a long-term fix will be needed, but Bassi could fill a gap in the short-term as they potentially look for a replacement in the summer.

Harvey Vale would face direct competition with the ex-Houston Dynamo man for his place in the attacking midfield role, and he would offer plenty more experience for the R's in that position. With the former Chelsea prospect not picking up the goals and assists that were perhaps expected, his position could be at risk.

Nevertheless, the 28-year-old has played out wide on occasion, and he would be a tremendous free agent addition for Stephan as he looks to chase down those above his side in the Championship table.