Derby County and Portsmouth Await Transfer Decision
Derby County and Portsmouth must wait until after pre-season to potentially sign Bosun Lawal, formerly of Fleetwood Town, according to recent reports.
Both teams are returning to the Championship together for the first time in 12 years, eager to compete in a stronger division next season. They join Oxford United, who recently secured promotion by defeating Bolton Wanderers in the play-off final.
Ipswich Town’s remarkable promotion to the Premier League as a newly promoted second-tier club offers hope to Derby and Portsmouth that they won’t face relegation battles throughout the 2024/25 season.
However, to ensure survival, both teams need to strengthen their squads during the summer transfer window. Celtic’s Bosun Lawal has been linked with moves to Pride Park and Fratton Park. The Republic of Ireland U21 international, who impressed on loan at Fleetwood last season, is a key target.
Lawal, originally a struggling centre-back, transitioned to midfield, excelling in his role and making 47 appearances in all competitions. Earlier reports indicated Derby and Pompey were set to compete for his loan signature, facing competition from Queens Park Rangers.
Journalist Alan Nixon, via Inside Futbol, has updated that Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers will decide Lawal’s future after observing him during the club’s pre-season tour in July.
Writer’s View
Despite Fleetwood’s relegation, Lawal had an outstanding season and was the club’s Player of the Season. He has grown stronger and gained valuable experience in League One. It’s now time for him to advance to a more competitive league, attracting interest from Derby County and Portsmouth. However, Rodgers might see Lawal as an important player for Celtic next season, potentially blocking any loan move for the former Watford academy player.
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