Derby County and Portsmouth forced to wait over transfer decision

The most recent sources state that Derby County and Portsmouth will have to wait until the preseason to potentially recruit former Fleetwood Town midfielder Bosun Lawal.

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.

It is likely that Portsmouth and Derby County will feel more optimistic about their chances of staying in the 2024–2025 season after Ipswich Town’s spectacular and historic promotion from the second division to the Premier League.

However, in order to even hope to survive next season, both managers will need to boost their squads during the upcoming summer transfer window. Celtic star Lawal is one name that has been linked to a move to Pride Park and Fratton Park in the transfer market.

While on loan at Fleetwood for the 2023–24 season, the Republic of Ireland U21s international put on an impressive show at Highbury Stadium. Initially a struggling center-back, Lawal later moved into midfield, where he dominated in the middle of the park. In all, he made 47 appearances for the Cod Army in all competitions.

The Scottish Sun earlier reported that Derby and Pompey would compete fiercely for the 20-year-old’s loan contract this summer, with Queens Park Rangers, another Championship team, posing a serious threat.

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.

Although Fleetwood’s relegation from the division was a letdown for Lawal, the Lancashire native was nonetheless brilliant at times and was clearly the team’s Player of the Season, declaring that despite the team’s on-field struggles, he is now a “stronger player” for his time at Fleetwood.

Derby County and Portsmouth are interested in signing 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.

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