An ex-Derby County prospect may secure a substantial transfer to the Premier League during this summer’s transfer period.
Derby County’s youth academy has been incredibly fruitful lately, producing talents like Morgan Whittaker and Max Bird, both set to compete in the Championship against Derby County next season. Will Hughes, another standout who began his career at Pride Park, has amassed 150 Premier League appearances split between Watford and Crystal Palace.
Eiran Cashin, a former Republic of Ireland U21 defender, has solidified his role at center-back in recent times, gaining valuable experience with Derby and increasing his transfer market value.
Nevertheless, a previous academy graduate, for whom Derby County reaped a six-figure sum, is reportedly in discussions with a Premier League powerhouse, with his valuation at a hefty £20 million. Former Derby County protégé Omari Kellyman is said to be negotiating a move to Chelsea.
Aston Villa values the ex-Derby County attacking sensation Kellyman at £20 million, with Chelsea said to be in active negotiations to secure the 18-year-old’s services, according to journalist Matt Law.
Kellyman, despite scoring an impressive seven goals in just 11 outings in the Premier League 2 for Aston Villa U21s, has seen minimal first-team action, managing only 35 minutes on the pitch under Unai Emery last season.
Derby County offloaded the youngster to Aston Villa for £600,000 in March 2022 without making a single appearance for the Rams’ senior squad.
This serves to raise the question: Who will be ‘the next Omari Kellyman’ at Derby County?
The sale of the former Derby County prospect in 2022 while the club was in administration hints that Kellyman could have secured a place in the Derby squad had circumstances been different.
On a positive note, the Rams boast emerging talent like 18-year-old striker Lennon Wheeldon, who entered the youth ranks in July 2022.
Wheeldon was given a glimpse of senior football this season by Paul Warne with a substitute appearance in the EFL Trophy as Derby overcame Wolves U21s 4-1.
The young striker has been lethal in the U18 Premier League, averaging a goal every 182 minutes, along with earning game time in the Premier League 2.
While Wheeldon is yet to secure regular first-team action, his clinical finishing marks him as a player to watch out for in the upcoming seasons.