3 midfielders Derby County should eye if Harrison Armstrong can't return next season

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Derby County have seen loan midfielder Harrison Armstong assume a starring role in their side since signing him in the winter.

Derby County had a frustrating winter transfer window as they scrambled to strengthen for the second half of the season. DCFC saw numerous targets slip through their fingers with some opting against moves to Pride Park.

However, one who signed on deadline day was Harrison Armstrong. He arrived from Everton with a glowing reputation behind him, though there were some reservations over the signing of an unproven 18-year-old on a temporary basis.

Image courtesy of: PHIL NOBLE/REUTERS.

Since then though, Armstrong has truly announced himself on the senior stage, becoming a key player for John Eustace’s side. Such form has put him on the Blackburn Rovers radar ahead of the summer, though the teenager could also be a part of the Toffees’ first-team next year.

Derby County may hope to bring Armstrong back for a full season, but given the other possible options available to the midfielder, such a reunion may not transpire.

With that said, we pick out three midfielders that should be on the radar at Pride Park in case Armstrong can’t return…

Oscar Fraulo – Borussia Monchengladbach

Derby County were reportedly eyeing a deal for Danish midfielder Fraulo in the winter window and with a return to parent club Borussia Monchengladbach awaiting, DCFC could do far worse than revive their interest.

The 21-year-old has managed two goals and two assists in 22 Eredivisie games while on loan at FC Utrecht and has played senior football in Holland, Germany and Denmark.

Fraulo should be well equipped for Championship football and it certainly seems feasible that he becomes available once back in Monchengladbach.

Image courtesy of: MICHAELA STACHE/REUTERS.

Mathis Amougou – Chelsea

Chelsea signed 19-year-old midfielder Mathis Amougou from Saint-Etienne in the winter amid his impressive breakthrough in Ligue 1. The France youth international is tipped for a big future but given the depth of midfielders ahead of him at Stamford Bridge ahead of him, a summer loan seems likely.

A Derby County swoop might be viewed as ambitious and Chelsea may favour sending the 19-year-old to a higher league – perhaps to sister club RC Strasbourg. However, if experience in English football is favoured, the Rams could offer regular minutes.

It is worth pointing out that Armstrong, Amougou and the other two players on this list will only be feasible targets if DCFC stave off relegation from the Championship. 

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Cameron Humphreys – Ipswich Town

Last but not least is Cameron Humphreys, who has starred on loan with League One promotion hopefuls Wycombe Wanderers.

The 21-year-old moved out of Ipswich Town after their promotion in favour of more senior opportunities and has played 39 times in League One, chipping in with seven goals and six assists from midfield.

Even if Ipswich are relegated, Humphreys may find chances hard to come by. He deserves as Championship chance and Derby County might be able to offer that, maybe even on a permanent basis with his deal expiring in 2026.

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