Derby County Tipped To Land £260K-Rated League One Gem

Derby County have been tipped to come out on top in the race for Celtic midfielder Bosun Lawal who has had an impressive loan spell in League One with Fleetwood Town despite the side’s relegation to England’s fourth tier.

The former Watford man signed for the Scottish giants back in 2021 as the Bhoys fought off interest from English sides, including Premier League titans Chelsea. Having spent two years in the club’s academy system, the Irishman penned a three-year deal and was sent on loan to Highbury.

Derby County Preparing Bid For International Midfielder

One of the main reasons that a deal with Fleetwood came to fruition was because Scott Brown, a legendary captain at Celtic, was the club’s head coach. However, Brown was relieved of his duties within the first few weeks of the campaign.

It was a gruelling season for the Cod Army, who went through three different managers but still couldn’t avoid relegation to League Two. Nevertheless, Lawal still showed his class in Lancashire and even earned huge praise from his head coach Charlie Adam [quotes via Extra Time]:

“There are not many young players that catch your eye and you go ‘oh, he’s gonna have a career’ and he [Lawal] certainly does that.”

Throughout his season-long loan spell with Fleetwood, the 20-year-old midfielder made 42 appearances in League One, scoring six goals and recording two assists. His impressive displays have seen his market value jump to £256,000, as per Transfermarkt.

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It was reported at the weekend that Lawal is wanted by a number of clubs ahead of the summer transfer window, including newly-promoted Championship sides Derby County and Portsmouth as well as Queens Park Rangers.

Speaking to Football League World, Sheffield Wednesday legend Carlton Palmer has urged the player to move to Pride Park due to Paul Warne’s record of giving youngsters opportunities to thrive.

“He’s been out on loan this season and been exceptional with Fleetwood Town. We know they are in a lower-quality league to what Celtic are playing in, so it will be interesting to see what he’s like in pre-season,” Palmer said about Lawal.

“I think it’s highly likely that he’ll be sent out on loan again, or if they get the right offer for him, then they might move him on.

“Going from League One to playing for Celtic in European football is a completely different level, so the likelihood is that he goes back out on loan,” he continued.

“But the 20-year-old has impressed and I’m sure QPR and both recently promoted Pompey and Derby in the Championship would be good fits for him.

“I think Derby may be a great move for him. Paul Warne is excellent with young players and gives them opportunities, and will get his head in the right place.”

Writer’s View

This would be an excellent signing for Derby County, particularly if the club fail to get Ebou Adams back on a permanent basis from Cardiff City. Lawal can play as a centre-back and a midfielder as shown from his time at Fleetwood and could be a really good asset next season for the Rams.

If Brendan Rodgers is not willing to give Lawal sufficient game-time next season, moving to Derby, Portsmouth or even QPR will be really beneficial for his development, playing in an incredibly competitive division.

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