Derby County have joined Championship rivals Watford and Middlesbrough in the race to sign Chelsea’s £14 million forgotten man Abdul Baba Rahman, according to the Daily Mail.
While much of the criticism aimed at at Pride Park has focused on an error-prone central defence and a shot-shy front line during a miserable start to the season for Phillip Cocu’s Rams, another position is causing a few headaches.
Since selling Max Lowe to Sheffield United, Derby have looked more than a little susceptible down the left-hand side.
Lee Buchanan only turned 19 in March while Craig Forsyth, at the age of 31 and with some serious injuries in the past, can’t provide the sort of explosive athleticism Lowe once offered out wide.
Perhaps that explains why one-time Bundesliga wonderkid Baba Rahman could be on his way to the East Midlands, according to the Mail.
Derby have joined Middlesbrough and Watford in pursuit of a seldom-seen Ghana international who, after spells at Schalke, Reims and Real Mallorca, has once again been made available for loan by Chelsea.
When he moved to Stamford Bridge in a £14 million deal from Augsburg five years ago, Baba Rahman was one of Europe’s most exciting full-backs with Jose Mourinho raving about his searing pace and crossing ability.
“Baba is really good with the ball, he’s very fast,” Mourinho said. “He’s a good player for sure and we trust him.”
While it’s fair to say Baba has failed to live up to those lofty expectations at Chelsea, he has plenty of time to rebuild his reputation at the age of 26.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
