Patrick Agyemang joins Derby County in permanent deal

Patrick Agyemang has become the latest American to join the EFL Championship.

EFL Championship side Derby County acquired Agyemang in a permanent deal from MLS club Charlotte FC, both clubs announced Tuesday. Charlotte FC received a club-record fee for the American forward and now hold a sell-on fee, should Derby County transfer Agyemang in the future.

“It’s been exciting,” Agyemang said in a club interview. “I’ve definitely been hearing great things about the club and the fans as well. I’ve always wanted to be part of something special and to now finally be here it’s amazing.”

The 24-year-old forward has previously been on the radar of several English second-division clubs over the past year. He’s been one of Charlotte FC’s best attacking threats over his three MLS seasons, totaling 17 goals and four assists in 59 league appearances.

Agyemang recently scored twice for the U.S. men’s national team during its June-July schedule. The Connecticut native helped Mauricio Pochettino’s squad reach the CONCACAF Gold Cup Final before suffering a 2-1 loss to Mexico.

Agyemang joins several other American forwards such as Josh Sargent, Haji Wright, and Daryl Dike in England’s second-tier for the upcoming season.

“I always wanted to take the next step and be in the position to better my career and I think this step going into the Championship and being around passionate fans and a good group of guys is something I thought is needed for my step,” Agyemang said when asked about the appeal of joining a club like Derby County.

Derby County avoided relegation back to EFL League One last season, finishing outside of the relegation zone by one point. John Eustace’s Rams will open the 2025-26 Championship season at Stoke City on August 9.