Derby County have received a clear transfer message regarding Amine Bassi, after it was revealed on Friday evening that the Championship side is interested in the attacking midfielder.

The Moroccan playmaker has been a free agent since departing the Houston Dynamo at the end of the 2025 MLS season, and according to FootMercato, the Rams hope to bring him to Pride Park this month.

It would not be the 28-year-old’s first taste of Championship football; he had previously spent the second half of the 2021/22 season on loan at Barnsley, but he was unable to prevent the Tykes from being relegated to League One.

Nonetheless, following a great stint across the Atlantic, where he won the US Open Cup in 2023, Bassi is eager to return to Europe.

Derby, on the other hand, has been told that he is not the proper player for their team.

Derby County advised to avoid a deal for Amine Bassi.

In 114 games with the Houston Dynamo, the midfielder scored 21 goals and assisted 18 times. More than half of his goals came in his first season with the club, and he hasn’t been as prolific in the past year.

However, he was brilliant during his one season in the Championship, so the Rams’ interest may not come as a surprise. When asked if the club should sign an attacking midfielder, Football League World’s Derby Fan Pundit Shaun Woodward responded, “No, I don’t think the number 10 is a priority at all.”I believe Bobby Clark is presently playing in that position. You could argue that when Morris returns, Brewster or Diaz could fill in at number 10. So, in my opinion, that is not an issue that should be prioritised. I believe we are in serious need of a left wing-back to compete with Elder. Also, we could really use another center forward.”

Shaun went on, “We’re counting on Rhian Brewster and Patrick Agyemang to play through the center while Morris is out. I don’t think either of them seems comfortable in that job. Eustace does not rate Lars-Jorgen Salvesen since he does not play him in his intended position.So another center-forward or left wing-back for me. But, no, I don’t think the number 10 role is something we should be looking into right now.”

Derby County’s midfield is already stacked with quality.

While Derby’s lineup lacks goalscoring midfielders, John Eustace does have a plethora of options in that area of the pitch.

Bobby Clark has impressed, and his place will be difficult to fill, with Brewster also capable of playing in that capacity if necessary. As a result, Bassi is not considered a priority signing.

Derby are short on full-back cover, particularly after Ryan Nyambe’s loan move to Reading and Owen Beck’s return to Liverpool earlier this month, when he failed to make an appearance due to injury.

Signing more striker cover is also critical, with Carlton Morris still recovering from a leg injury suffered in November. The Rams are vying for a playoff spot, and the end of the January transfer window is critical for them. Signings must be correct; else, their hopes of a surprise top-six finish will fade soon.