Derby County are fighting hard to stay in the playoff race and currently, they occupy the sixth spot in the Championship. Frank Lampard has done well to keep the team up to pace with their other major rivals, but he should be eyeing a signing or two to bolster his side’s chances.
One player that he can go after is former academy player Jordon Mutch. Crystal Palace recently released (Sky Sports) him six months before his contract expiry date with mutual consent. The midfielder spent the last six months playing in in the Major League Soccer with Vancouver Whitecaps where they turned down the chance of signing him permanently after his side failed to reach the playoffs.
Still 27, Jordon has still got much to offer, and his experience of playing in the Premier League should come in handy if Lampard makes a move for him. As of now, Cardiff City are reportedly interested in him, and we believe the Rams should also join the race for his signature.
Mutch was born in Derby and started his youth days with the Rams’ academy before moving to Birmingham City in 2008. The midfielder went on to represent England at u-17, u-19 and u-21 level but he never managed to make it through to the senior squad.
Lampard might have a decent number of midfielders at his disposal but a number of players are currently in the final year of their deals (especially midfielders), and it is likely that all of them won’t be part of the club by next season. Joe Ledley, Jacob Butterfield, Tom Huddlestone, Craig Bryson and Bradley Johnson all are in the final year of their contract. Therefore, the club could be in desperate need of a midfielder by the time the new season arrives.
However, the Rams would have to fight off competition from Mutch’s former club Cardiff City. There is no doubt that the Bluebirds would be favourite to get their man as they can offer Mutch Premier League football, but Lampard should still try his luck and look to add firepower to his midfield.
The Englishman can be a decent central as well as an attacking midfielder. He had a decent impact in the Championship before as he managed ten goals and 12 assists in 92 appearances. In Mutch, Lampard would be getting a Premier League pedigree star and a player to take some burden off from the summer window. To top it all, signing him wouldn’t cost a penny in transfer fees as the player is currently a free agent.
