Opinion: 18-goal/assist free agent to-be could be ideal Derby County signing this summer

06/05/2024 12:02

Derby County must target attacking reinforcements now that they have confirmed their spot in the Championship next season, and they should look no further than Reading ace Femi Azeez.

Derby County secured promotion on the final day of the League One campaign having defeated Carlisle United 2-0 at Pride Park Stadium.

The Rams' defence was not only the best in the division, but in the EFL as a whole. Paul Warne's men conceded just 37 goals in 46 matches meaning little to no additions are required at the back, though their final third could do with some improvement in preparation for the second tier.

Although their business plan will no longer be hovering over them, the East Midlands outfit are certainly not going to return to their free-spending ways that they were accustomed to under their previous ownership.

Smart loan moves and free agents will definitely be apparent for the Rams' transfer policy, and Reading winger Femi Azeez fits perfectly into that bracket.

An ideal signing for Derby County?

The 22-year-old is out of contract with the Royals this summer and there are currently no signs of a new deal being confirmed.

With nine goals and nine assists in all competitions across 52 appearances, the youngster is highly regarded and will not be short of offers.

Perhaps more was expected from Azeez when he burst into the Reading first-team but he’s still only young and after such an impressive season, it isn’t out of the question that he reaches a very high level in the years to come. For now though, A Pride Park switch may tempt the Royals academy graduate with Championship football now on offer from Warne's side.

Derby County currently have Corey Blackett-Taylor, Nathaniel Mendez-Laing as their main options out wide. At a push, Conor Washington can play there, and right-back Kane Wilson has featured further forward at times this campaign.

Fellow right-back Joe Ward is another who can fit into the same category as Wilson, but with it not yet decided whether the two-year deal Tom Barkhuizen signed will be renewed, the Rams are in need of a new natural winger.

Azeez fits the bill. Young, talented and affordable.

He’s someone who could come in and have an instant impact with Derby County. Not only that, but as a vastly promising player with his best years ahead of him, Azeez is someone who the club may be able to make a big profit on in the coming years.

And if not, then there’s no concerns over wasted money as a potential free transfer signing.

The newly promoted outfit would surely be missing out if they do not look into a possible deal for the Reading star as they gear up for a return to Championship football.

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