Just in : Derby County Faces Competition From Sunderland For Playmaker

After Oxford United defeated Bolton Wanderers in the play-off final a week and a half ago, the Rams and Pompey

are back in the Championship together for the first time in 12 years and will be looking forward to playing in a much

better level next season.
Derby County and Portsmouth will feel a great deal of optimism from Ipswich Town’s magnificent and

historic promotion to the Premier League as a freshly promoted second-tier team, suggesting that they won’t be

forced to fight for survival during the 2024–2025 season.

Nevertheless, both managers will need to enhance their squads during the upcoming summer transfer window if

they hope to even survive next season. Celtic star Lawal is one name that has been connected to a move to Pride

Park and Fratton Park in the transfer market.

The Republic of Ireland U21 international played for Fleetwood on loan during the 2023–2024 season,

where he put up some amazing performances at Highbury Stadium. Lawal began his career as a struggling

center-back before switching to midfield and dominating in the middle of the pitch. He finally made 47

appearances for the Cod Army across all competitions.

The Scottish Sun first reported that Derby and Pompey will compete for the 20-year-old’s loan signature this summer,

but Queens Park Rangers, another Championship team, would provide fierce opposition.

Nevertheless, journalist Alan Nixon has offered an update on the Lawal transfer drama through Inside Futbol,

stating that Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers will hold off on making a decision regarding the player’s future until after

observing him during the team’s July preseason tour.

Writer’s View

Lawal’s season in Lancashire was dismal because Fleetwood was demoted from the division.

Despite the team’s on-field struggles, Lawal was nevertheless brilliant at times and was clearly the team’s

Player of the Season. He claimed that he is now a “stronger player” for his time at Fleetwood.

Derby County and Portsmouth are interested in hiring him because, although his League One experience has been invaluable,

the Irishman feels that it’s time to try his luck in a more competitive division. However,

Rodgers may feel that he could play a major role at Celtic the following season and veto any loan deal for the former Watford academy star.