Derby County seeking deal for free agent ex-Barnsley attacking midfielder | OneFootball

The Rams are in the hunt for a new playmaker, with Amine Bassi seeking a return to Europe.

Derby County are in the market for a new attacking midfielder, as John Eustace looks to add more firepower to his team following a disappointing 1-1 draw at home to West Bromwich Albion on Friday.

Patrick Agyemang opened the scoring for the Rams in the first-half at Pride Park, with Baggies debutant Max O'Leary dropping the ball at the forward's feet from a free kick, allowing the American to fire in his eighth goal of the season.

It looked as though the hosts were heading towards a third successive win in the Championship, with the East Midlands outfit set to move into the top six for the time being with victory. However, Chris Mepham was able to bundle a header narrowly over the line in additional time to rescue a point for West Brom.

It was yet another disappointing result for Derby, who have won just four times at home all season. Nevertheless, the club have identified a new potential star to help make those home games more winnable.

Derby County target free agent Amine Bassi after MLS stint

Oscar Fraulo has made quite the impact already in black-and-white, and bringing another star to add to the midfield is obviously something that Eustace is keen on.

According to FootMercato, Moroccan playmaker Amine Bassi is on the radar of the Rams, after becoming a free agent following a two-year stint in the MLS with Houston Dynamo.

Part of the Dynamo side that won the 2023 US Open Cup, Bassi played 114 times for the club, scoring 21 goals and registering 18 assists. However, he wants to return to Europe, having previously played in France with AS Nancy, FC Metz and SAS Epinal.

However, Bassi also has experience of Championship football.

He spent the second half of the 2021/22 campaign on loan with Barnsley, scoring twice and registering five assists in 16 games for the club in all competitions in what was an impressive short stint in South Yorkshire.

The former Morocco youth international has played at Pride Park before, as the Tykes were beaten 2-0 by Derby in March 2022 - could Bassi now return to England for a second spell?

Derby County need more goals from midfield - Amine Bassi could provide that

With 18 goals between them, Carlton Morris and Agyemang have done much of the heavy lifting in terms of output in the final third for the Rams this season, while five players have pitched in with two goals each.

Bobby Clark has found form in the last few months, but he has also only scored twice and adding another attacking midfielder to the fold is vital if Derby want to climb into the top six in the coming weeks and months.

Bassi would also provide those in the more advanced positions with more opportunities, with his five assists for Barnsley proof of the creativity that he possesses.

At 28, there will be concerns about his age as his development will likely be limited, but Agyemang has proven that the MLS is a division that can offer new stars, and the Moroccan would be a coup on a free.