Derby County have managed to secure a first professional deal for one of their young stars, amid interest from some big clubs.
Derby County have fended off reported interest from top flight clubs to secure a first professional deal for youngster Cruz Allen. The 17-year-old has put pen-to-paper on a new contract that will run until summer 2026.
It comes as part of a large rebuild within the academy structure at Moor Farm since the takeover from David Clowes. With so much of the club relying on the academy through administration, the changes in personnel and structure aim to keep the youth department the centre of pride at Derby.
Allen is the third player from the under-18s setup to sign professional terms with the club this season, with striker Dajaune Brown and goalkeeper Jack Thompson also committing their future.
“Cruz has done really well in the Under-21s and also the Under-18s this year and we are keen to recognise players that have come through our pathway here at Derby County,” academy manager Matt Hale told the official Derby website. “He has a lot of talent and this is fully deserved; we wish him well.”
Cruz Allen transfer interest
Derby have seemingly fought off some interest elsewhere to ensure that Allen can sign a deal with the club. According to the Sun, back in November 2023, Manchester United, Chelsea and Newcastle all had the Welsh youth international on their radar.
It comes as little surprise either, with the attacking midfielder scoring five goals and assisting five in 12 appearances in the under-18s Premier League. A step up to the under-21s has seen Allen bag three goals in six games in the Premier League 2.
The youngster is currently featuring for the Wales under-17 age category, with high hopes he can reach the very top.
Derby County academy success
The success of the academy at Derby may well be a draw for a lot of young players looking for their breakthrough. The Rams have a category one setup, which is amongst the likes of Premier League teams at the top.
Academy graduates such as Will Hughes, Jason Knight, Max Bird, Eiran Cashin, Liam Thompson and Louie Sibley are clear examples of the pathway to first-team football. It remains to be seen which player is the next from the academy to add their name to that list.