Pundit blames Derby County for €20.5m midfielder who is not good enough for top-flight football

“They paid far too much” – Pundit blames Derby County for €20.5m midfielder who is not good enough for top-flight football

Derby County’s summer business has come under heavy scrutiny after one pundit questioned the club’s decision to splash out €20.5 million on a midfielder he believes is “not up to the level of top-flight football.”

Speaking on a football talk show, the pundit slammed the Rams’ transfer policy, claiming the fee was “outrageous” for a player yet to prove himself on the biggest stage.

“They’ve paid far too much. For that kind of money, you expect someone who can walk straight into the team and dominate games. Instead, they’ve gone for a player who still looks off the pace and not ready for this level,” the pundit said.

Derby, newly promoted and determined to establish themselves in the top flight, made the midfielder one of their marquee summer signings. But after a string of underwhelming performances, questions are being asked about whether the deal was a miscalculation.

Fans have also voiced concerns, with many highlighting the need for proven Premier League or Championship experience rather than “gambling” on an untested name at such a high cost.

The pressure is now on both the player and manager to prove the critics wrong, with Derby facing a crucial run of fixtures that could define their season.

While the club insists they see long-term value in the signing, the debate around the €20.5m outlay is unlikely to fade anytime soon — especially if performances don’t improve quickly.