Derby County have agreed a deal to sign highly rated 17-year-old left-back Pedro Guimaraes from Orange County,

Derby County Seal Deal for US Teenager Pedro Guimaraes
Derby County have agreed a deal to sign highly rated 17-year-old left-back Pedro Guimaraes from Orange County, in an exclusive move that underlines the club’s growing focus on emerging talent.
The agreement has now been sealed, with Guimaraes set to join the Rams on a first-team contract, a significant vote of confidence in the young defender’s potential. Despite his age, Derby’s recruitment staff believe the American teenager has the physical and technical profile to adapt quickly to English football.

Head coach John Eustace has been eyeing the young defender for the past couple of months, closely monitoring his progress and pushing for the club to move early. Eustace is understood to be impressed by Guimaraes’ maturity, athleticism and tactical awareness, qualities he feels suit Derby’s long-term vision.
Guimaraes has been catching the eye in the United States with his performances at youth level, earning praise for his composure on the ball, defensive discipline and willingness to support attacks from left-back. His development attracted interest from other clubs, but Derby moved decisively to secure his signature.

Sources close to the deal indicate the Rams view Guimaraes as a long-term investment with a clear pathway into senior football rather than an academy-only project. The move also reflects Derby County’s intention to tap into the US market, which continues to produce an increasing number of high-potential young players.
An official announcement is expected in the coming days, with Guimaraes likely to link up with the first-team squad during pre-season as he begins his next chapter at Pride Park.