Will Bobby Clark re-join Derby County as Rangers lurk? | OneFootball

The Rams have been linked with a permanent move for their loan ace for some time

Derby County made great strides of progress throughout the 2025/26 Championship season, but it was one which still ended with a tinge of disappointment as they missed out on the play-offs.

After consolidating their position back in the second tier on the final day of the 2024/25 season, John Eustace continued to earn plaudits for the way in which his team played throughout the 46-game season, as well as players from various departments receiving their own individual praise.

The 46-year-old has certainly proven why many felt it was a mistake for Birmingham City's ambitious ownership group, Knighthead Capital Management, to relieve him of his duties to make way for Wayne Rooney's disastrous appointment at St. Andrew's in October 2023, having also performed admirably at Blackburn Rovers since then on a limited budget.

The Rams, of course, haven't been afraid to showcase their own ambition in recent times, proven by the initial £7.3m spent on USMNT international, Patrick Agyemang last summer, even though the striker suffered horrendous misfortune with a serious achilles injury in April which put pay to his dreams of making his country's World Cup squad.

With the summer transfer window looming large, it remains to be seen what business is conducted by the East Midlands outfit, who will hope to end the 2026/27 campaign in the Championship's top eight, and there is plenty of speculation swirling around on the potential whereabouts of loan ace, Bobby Clark.

Derby County face Rangers FC threat in permanent pursuit of Bobby Clark

The former Liverpool academy product has been the subject of intense speculation in recent times, having made a significant impression on loan with Derby from Austrian Bundesliga outfit, Red Bull Salzburg.

Clark's all-action nature in the middle of the park has seen him produce four goals and as many assists in 45 appearances for the Rams this term, and it is no surprise that, at just 21 years of age, the England youth international's signature is being highly coveted.

It was reported in October that Scottish Premiership giants, Celtic, were plotting a £6m move to cut his loan spell at Pride Park short, and while that failed to materialise, the Hoops' Old Firm rivals, Rangers, are now showing an interest, despite Derby's unsurprising stance over wanting to turn Clark's loan permanent as soon as possible.

Rams supporters may also be reassured by the fact that, when asked about his future earlier in the year, the Geordie responded: "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.

"All I can say from my end is I've loved it here and I'd love to play here again. We'll just have to see what happens," Clark reiterated.

Derby County's potential investment could aid permanent Bobby Clark return as Old Firm duo lurk

Derby's transfer strategy appears to be a continuation of their business from the two windows in 2025/26, with Football League World exclusively revealing the club's interest in Matt Targett alongside his loan side, Middlesbrough, as the defender is braced for an official exit from Newcastle United.

Meanwhile, it has been reported that Clark is expected to leave RB Salzburg this summer for a cut-price figure, and whilst Celtic and Rangers could offer European football, the Rams' situation at board level could help swing the pendulum in their favour.

It has been widely claimed that Turkish boxing mogul, Turki Alalshikh, has held talks with the club's hierarchy over potential investment that could help elevate finances to a new level, and attract a higher calibre of player in the process.

As such, with Clark only ESTIMATED to be collecting a base wage of £5,000 per week, the young midfielder may also see a major rise in line on this particular front if the aforementioned moving parts were to come to fruition ahead of the upcoming Championship campaign.

There is also clearly a desire from Eustace's perspective to get a deal over the line, which will also please Clark, as the Rams boss has played a key role in enhancing the development of his career, as well as that of several other prospects in recent times.