Patrick Agyemang transfer clarity as boss speaks out amid ‘close’ Derby County deal.
Charlotte FC boss Dean Smith has addressed Patrick Agyemang’s future.
Charlotte FC boss Dean Smith has addressed Patrick Agyemang’s future.
Derby County are said to be “closing in” on a $7m transfer deal for USA frontman Agyemang.
“We’re not in a position as a club where we need to sell anybody, especially if it’s going to weaken our team,” said Smith, earlier this week.
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“But saying that, every player will have a value as well.
“We spoke to Patrick and his representatives to try and get him to sign a deal, a longer deal with this club on better wages. But they turned that down and we’ll see where we go with it.
“As I’ve always said, he’s our player for another 18 months. And unless there’s a deal that’s right for this football club, then Patrick is our player and we enjoy having him here.”
Agyemang has impressed on the international stage since earning his first call-up to the USA national team in January, scoring five goals in nine games.
He is currently with Mauricio Pochettino’s squad for the Gold Cup where he scored the winner in a group game against Haiti.
“He’s getting better; he’s still got lots to learn as well,” added Smith.
“The timing of his runs can be better at times. I saw the chances he had (against Haiti), the goalkeeper made a good save, I think he was slightly offside. He just went a little bit too early.
“He’s a difficult player to play against. He doesn’t get an awful lot of protection in MLS.
“It seems he’s having a lot more fouls called against playing international football. So he’s one that’s going to keep learning.
“He’s not played a lot of football, even though he’s 24 years old, coming through the college system. So he’s having to become a bit of a sponge over the last 18 months to learn as much as he can.”
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