Former Derby County Star Set For Leeds United Move

Former Derby County academy product and current KAA Gent defender Archie Brown could return to English football and has been linked with a move to Leeds United and Everton.

The 21-year-old was part of the Rams’ U18s side that were victorious in the U18 Premier League final in 2020, the first time the club had won a trophy in that age group. Brown bagged a hattrick in the final against Arsenal to clinch the silverware.

Despite a number of players coming up through the ranks at Pride Park in recent seasons, including the likes of Jason Knight and Eiran Cashin, who have both had excellent careers so far at their respective clubs.

However, after being offered a new contract by Derby County two years ago, Brown decided to turn down the proposal and that it was time for him to seek first-team football elsewhere, moving to Lausanne-Sport, a Swiss club currently owned by Manchester United’s prospective new owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

Now at Gent, the Belgian outfit are locked in a title race with both Union Saint-Gilloise and Anderlecht, having lost merely one game in the Pro League all season. Brown has featured 21 times in all competitions for Gent and has been one of the first names on manager Hein Vanhaezebrouck’s teamsheet this season.

However, according to The Daily Mail, Gent risk losing the young left-back in the near future, with Everton, Nottingham Forest and Championship side Leeds United keen to battle it out for his signature.

The main issue is that Brown just moved to Gent from Lausanne-Sport this summer and made an appearance for both teams, meaning he can’t play for another club until next season, according to FIFA regulations.

Writer’s View

Daniel Farke’s side could be prepared to let Junior Firpo leave this winter if a substantial offer comes in for him, as per journalist Dean Jones, and Brown could offer strong competition for Sam Byram next season if that happens.

Nevertheless, given Brown’s high ceiling, it’s likely that he will be brought to Elland Road with an eye to making the left-back spot his own in the near future.