Agyemang to swerve Leeds United transfer? 'Rather he didn't go there' if he leaves Derby County | OneFootball

FLW's Derby fan pundit has responded to the reports linking Patrick Agyemang and Leeds United

Derby County's transformation from a side that was almost destined for a League One return to one three points off a play-off spot with seven games remaining in the space of a year has been incredible.

A lot of it has to do with John Eustace's expertise in the dugout in his first full season at the club, but also due to the backing he had off the field and the signings he was able to make in his first transfer window at Pride Park.

American frontman Patrick Agyemang was the pick of the bunch. Despite only being a professional footballer for a little over two years, the Rams signed him from MLS side Charlotte FC in a deal which could rise to £7.3 million. 12 months on, though, and they could be profiting from his sale.

10 goals in his first campaign in English football thus far, plus plenty of other upsides to his game from a creative and technical standpoint, have clubs in the Premier League sniffing about his services, namely Crystal Palace and Leeds United.

And, while Palace may be on the hunt for a new striker, with Jean-Philippe Mateta likely to leave following a failed transfer to AC Milan in January, Leeds' 49ers Enterprises ownership, mixed with their ability to offer him more first-team football, could put them in the driver's seat.

Derby County fan pundit reacts to Leeds United's interest in Patrick Agyemang

Derby and Leeds have a long-standing rivalry which dates back to the 1960s and 70s, when the two sides were on top of the English game, being managed by club legends Brian Clough and Don Revie, respectively.

More recently, the rivalry between the two sides was stoked in 2019, when 'spygate' hit the headlines after one of Marcelo Bielsa's staff was seen spying on Frank Lampard's training sessions.

That culminated in Lampard's Rams' side beating Leeds in that year's play-off semi-finals in one of the greatest two-legged affairs in the history of the play-offs - but the Whites did get their revenge when they celebrated winning the Championship title at Pride Park the following year.

While Shaun Woodward, FLW's Derby fan pundit, can't deny that Agyemang already deserves a crack at the Premier League after a little under one year in the Championship, he'd rather it be at Pride Park than at Elland Road.

"If I'm thinking with my head, then yes, a move to Leeds would be very good for him, as he does deserve a shot at the Premier League and I think he's good enough for it," he said. "These opportunities don't come around too often.

"So, if the deal is right for him and right for Derby, then I'd reluctantly accept that he has to move on.

"Having said that, given the history between the two clubs, I'd rather he didn't go there, but he is destined for the Premier League, or for bigger and better things."

Woodward hopes that Agyemang can make the step-up to the top-flight with his current employers. With their play-off hopes still more than alive, there could be a chance that the Rams end up squeezing into the top six and causing an upset in the post-season.

"I'd love him to play in the Premier League with Derby, but that is unlikely. It's not impossible, but it's unlikely this season," he admitted.

"I'd be great if he stayed and showed a bit of loyalty, but if the right offer is there, I wouldn't blame both parties for accepting it."

Derby County should only accept £20 million+ for Patrick Agyemang

The reports linking Leeds and Palace to the 25-year-old stated that Derby had slapped a £20 million price tag on his head, and the Rams should most definitely be holding out for at least that much if any side were to pry him away from Pride Park this coming summer.

With Derby making strides up the table this season, and with there being two extra play-off spots next year, there's a case to be made that, if the improbable doesn't happen this year, then the Rams will strengthen once more and put themselves in a position where they'd be a favourite for a top-eight spot next term.

If Agyemang remained there for an extra year, though, he could even be the difference between John Eustace's side being just a play-off side or one that could battle amongst the former Premier League outfits for automatic promotion.

Therefore, as Woodward said, a deal should only be made if it truly benefits the club, as, understandably, a £20 million sale would be massive in terms of reinvesting and upgrading the squad for next season.

But, with the campaign still far from over, that's not the focus currently. If Agyemang wants to confirm Premier League football for himself next season, the easiest route would be to help his side to play-off glory come the end of May.