According to the Daily Mirror, Championship side Derby County and League One outfit Stockport County are reportedly interested in Cheltenham Town wing-back Arkell Jude-Boyd.
The 22-year-old made 41 appearances in all competitions for the Robins this season, registering seven goal contributions in the process.
His impressive season has caught the eyes of Derby and Stockport, as well as Peterborough United, who reportedly saw an offer for Jude-Boyd turned down by Cheltenham in January.
The former Queen’s Park Rangers player has one year remaining on his contract at the EV Charger Points Stadium after joining the club last summer.
The St. Lucia international, who has recently made his debut for the county, has also played for National League South side Torquay United.
Interest From the Second and Third Tier
John Eustace’s Derby side are one of the sides that have registered their interest in the right-back. This season, Kane Wilson and Ryan Nyambe have both played at right-back for the Rams; however, with Nyambe’s injury problems, alongside the fact that Wilson has only one year remaining on his contract, it’s no surprise Eustace and his side are in the market for a young right-back.
The Hatters are another side who are interested in Jude-Boyd’s services, with right-back Kyle Knoyle one of two players who have been released by County. Macauley Southam-Hales is another player who Stockport could potentially lose, with his contract running out in the summer. The club are in contract talks with the 29-year-old Welshman.
Dave Challinor is known to sometimes use a three-at-the-back formation, which in turn pushes up the sides fullbacks, and with Jude-Boyd playing at both right-back, right wing-back and right midfield for Michael Flynn’s side this season, it’s clear to see why the 22-year-old has caught the interest of sides higher up the pyramid.
The third side who are thought to be interested is the Posh, however, it’s unclear if they are still interested in the player after having a bid for the 22-year-old rejected in January. After a disappointing season in the third tier, Darren Ferguson will be looking to completely rebuild his side as they look to prepare for the 2025/26 season.
With James Dornelly attracting interest from Premier League and Championship clubs, Peterborough will need a replacement if the 20-year-old is to leave the Weston Holmes Stadium.
Writer’s View
Jude-Boyd has proved on multiple occasions this season that he is an ideal versatile player who can play on both flanks. Although defending can sometimes be his weakness, his ability to run forward and chip in with goals and assists from a defensive position is what most teams want from a full-back nowadays.
It’s no wonder there are multiple outlets after him, however, a move to the Championship after just one full season in men’s football could be a move that proves to come to prematurely for the St. Lucia international. With one year remaining on his deal at Cheltenham, it’ll be interesting to see what the club do, whether they keep him for one more season and risk losing him on a free, or whether they cash in on the player now.
