Callum Lang has explained why he turned down Derby County this month.
Portsmouth confirmed the permanent signing of Callum Lang from Wigan Athletic yesterday, with the forward joining the League One outfit joining on a two-and-a-half year deal.
The forward had spent his entire career with Wigan, since making his debut in 2017. He had netted 34 goals whilst on loan across the EFL before he earned a regular place in the starting line-up for the Latics.
Lang went onto score 26 goals and provided 10 assists in 88 games in League One, before earning himself a move to Pompey just days before the transfer deadline.
Derby County were one of a number of clubs chasing Lang’s signature this month, with reports claiming they were preparing to compete with Portsmouth and Rotherham United to sign the 25-year-old.
However, The Rams have since missed out on Lang after he linked up with their promotion rivals.
Pompey currently sit top of League One – only three points above Derby. John Mousinho’s side have been relying on Colby Bishop so far, but will be happy to add another option to their attack.
Derby will be disappointed to see their rivals bolstered, while Callum Lang has explained why he chose to complete the move to Fratton Park.
He said: “‘When the clubs were put out to me by my agent, this was the one which seemed the best fit. Looking at the way the club play, the set-up and how well they’re doing it’s all positive.
“I want to be a part of that and I want to help this club head in the right direction – because it’s a club heading in the right direction – 100 per cent. It’s a massive opportunity I can’t turn down.
“It’s a nice feeling as a player when a few clubs are interested in you. Massively nice feeling – but I had to pick the right one.
“It’s such a massive decision, but this is the perfect fit.
“I’ve played at Fratton Park and it’s been unreal. Playing there is something I can’t turn down really.
“I love playing in those sort of games and playing in that environment when it’s high energy and high tempo – it suits me massively.”
Paul Warne ‘unconfident’ of signing a new striker
Derby County now look increasingly unlikely to sign a striker before Thursday’s deadline.
Speaking on the Rams Daily podcast at the weekend, Paul Warne said: “Still very unconfident. We can only keep knocking on the door, I think a lot will change this week.
“I think it’s evident that you can’t play James, bless him, 90 minutes every single game, and even more so if there’s only one up top. So I do want another striker and potentially if I lose one – and I could lose one – then one or two.”
The Rams have been linked with Sheffield Wednesday’s Michael Smith this month, though they don’t seem to be any closer to landing him.