Derby County must eye Brighton summer transfer if repeat Burnley deal cannot be struck | OneFootball

Brighton may have the answer to Derby County's problem if a deal cannot be struck with Burnley this summer...

The recruitment drive for clubs like Burnley and Derby County, heading into the 2026/27 Championship, season may hinge on whether they can revisit familiar ground or are forced to pivot toward alternative targets.

The Rams struck a smart short-term deal with the Clarets in January, bringing in Jaydon Banel for some Championship experience and exposure. That move has begun to bear fruit in recent weeks, with Banel scoring against Stoke City before a wonderful solo goal against Oxford United, and then adding yet another one with a late winner this past weekend against QPR.

Under John Eustace, Banel has finally been afforded a consistent run in the starting 11, and the Dutchman has repaid that faith with those goals. His directness and willingness to attack defenders have added a different dimension to Derby’s forward line in the absence of Patrick Agyemang.

Banel is only a loanee, but optimism has grown that he could develop into something, and Derby may already be eyeing another summer move for the forward. However, circumstances beyond Derby’s control may complicate any hopes of extending that arrangement.

Brighton might have the answer if Derby cannot re-sign Jaydon Banel from Burnley

Burnley’s relegation back to the Championship changes the landscape entirely. With a reset expected at Turf Moor, Banel may well be viewed as a player capable of contributing at that level by Scott Parker or another manager, rather than one to be loaned out again.

That leaves the Rams in a precarious position, potentially needing to replace a player who has quickly become an important outlet in the final third. If a repeat deal cannot be struck, Derby must be proactive in the transfer market with a similar profile of a direct and speedy player like Banel.

Agyemang's achilles issue will see him miss half of 2026/27, which is why the Burnley attacker or another forward with pace is required. Their January interest in Tommy Watson, now at Millwall following a loan switch from Brighton & Hove Albion, suggests they already have a contingency in mind.

Admittedly, Watson has not exactly set The Den alight. His impact has been limited, and questions remain over his readiness to deliver consistently at Championship level. But that lack of output could work in Derby’s favour and he has been clutch at this level previously.

Since scoring the winner for Sunderland at Wembley, Watson has a goal and three assists for Brighton. Those came against Barnsley and Oxford United in cup competitions. There is evidently potential there, hence Millwall taking a chance on him on loan.

Watson has one assist for Millwall against bottom side Sheffield Wednesday.

However, much like Banel prior to his recent run, Watson is a player still searching for the right environment to unlock his potential. Another loan feels inevitable for him next term and Championship sides will be queuing for his signature.

Derby County might be the perfect club for Tommy Watson to develop with

Derby, under Eustace, are beginning to show signs of being the kind of platform for young players to arrive and have an impact. There is a clear emphasis on structure and attacking in transition, which is something that could benefit a forward like Watson who thrives when given licence to isolate defenders and drive at them.

Crucially, Derby cannot afford to be overly sentimental or wait around for a deal that may never materialise regarding Banel. If Burnley decide to retain him, the Rams must move swiftly. Revisiting their interest in Watson would be a logical step, even if it comes with a degree of risk after some underwhelming displays for the Lions.

In many ways, this is about smart squad building rather than chasing guaranteed success. Watson may not be the finished article with Brighton yet, but neither was Banel when he arrived. Derby took a calculated gamble then, and it has started to pay off.

Repeating that approach, rather than standing still, could be key to ensuring they remain competitive in what is shaping up to be another exciting and competitive Championship campaign. Get it right and Derby could even be finishing above Burnley, Banel, and co. next season as well.