Leeds United set to sign the former Derby County key player

Former Derby County Standout Is Headed to Leeds United
Archie Brown, a defender currently playing for KAA Gent and a former Derby County academy product, has been linked to a return to English football, namely to Leeds United and Everton.

The 21-year-old played for the Rams’ U18 team, who won the U18 Premier League championship in 2020. It was the team’s first trophy win in that age group. To secure the trophy, Brown scored a hat-trick against Arsenal in the championship game.

Even though several players, including Jason Knight and Eiran Cashin, who have both had fantastic careers thus far at their respective clubs, have just come up through the ranks at Pride Park.

But Brown declined Derby County’s offer of a new contract two years ago, deciding it was time to look for first-team football elsewhere. He moved to Lausanne-Sport, a Swiss team currently owned by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the potential new owner of Manchester United.

With just one loss in the Pro League this season, the Belgian team is currently in a title fight with Anderlecht and Union Saint-Gilloise at Gent. Brown has made 21 appearances for Gent in all competitions, and this season, he is among the first names on manager Hein Vanhaezebrouck’s roster.

However, The Daily Mail claims that Gent could soon lose the teenage left-back as Everton, Nottingham Forest, and Championship team Leeds United are eager to buy him.

The major problem is that, per FIFA rules, Brown can’t play for another club until the next season because he only transferred to Gent this summer from Lausanne-Sport, where he appeared for both teams.

Author’s Perspective

According to journalist Dean Jones, Daniel Farke’s team would be willing to allow Junior Firpo go this winter if a big offer is made for him. In that case, Brown might present a formidable rival for Sam Byram the following season.

Brown has a high ceiling, though, therefore it’s probable that Elland Road will acquire him with the intention of his taking over at left-back soon.