Deal on the Horizon
Charlotte FC striker Patrick Agyemang is poised to join Derby County, a club in the Championship. Initially reported by Steven Goff of the Washington Post in late June, the transfer was put on hold due to the progress of the US Men’s National Team (USMNT) in the Gold Cup. After reaching the finals and losing 2-1 to Mexico, the tournament has now concluded, allowing Agyemang to finalize his medical examination and sign the contract with Derby County.
This marks a significant milestone for Charlotte FC, as the transfer will reportedly see the club receive an initial $8 million (€6.8 million) along with an additional $2 million (€1.7 million) in performance-related add-ons. The agreement also includes standard clauses, such as a percentage of any future transfer fee, typically ranging from 10-20% depending on the timing of the move. The initial fee makes Agyemang the most expensive outgoing transfer in Charlotte FC’s history.
Agyemang’s journey to this point includes playing for the University of Rhode Island and competing in the USL League Two with the Western Mass Pioneers. He was drafted 12th overall by Charlotte FC in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft. The 24-year-old center-forward notched ten goals in 11 games with MLS NEXT PRO team Crown Legacy before being promoted to the first team ahead of the 2024 season, where he scored ten goals and contributed three assists in 31 regular-season matches. This season, he added six goals and one assist in 16 appearances in the MLS.
USMNT Player Agyemang Joins Derby County
With impressive metrics from the MLS, USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino called Agyemang up in January. The 193 cm tall striker has scored five goals in 12 matches for his national team. He participated in all six games during this summer’s Gold Cup, although he only managed to score against Trinidad & Tobago and Haiti, leaving some fans wanting more.
For Agyemang to progress further in his career, he will need to become a more reliable goal-scorer. Despite possessing exceptional physicality and strength with the ball, he has shown inconsistency with his first touch and effectiveness in tight spaces around the goal. Nonetheless, with his size and athleticism, Agyemang has the potential to become a strong player in the English Championship.
