Charlton Athletic Jonathan Williams may have extra motivation to face Derby County this weekend after the Rams reportedly turned down the chance to sign him in the summer.
Derby head to The Valley to take on Charlton this weekend.
The Addicks have surprised most on their return to the Championship. Tipped for relegation, Lee Bowyer’s side are currently sitting above Derby in tenth spot.
Striker Lyle Taylor has been excellent, scoring six goals already. Meanwhile, loan duo Josh Cullen and Conor Gallagher have proven to be superb summer additions.
Did Derby County miss a trick not signing Jonny Williams?
But one player who could really punish the Rams for different reasons this weekend is Williams. According to Wales Online, Derby passed up the opportunity to sign him.
MORE DERBY STORIES
Williams’ contract at Crystal Palace came to an end in the summer. He spent last season on loan at Charlton, helping the Addicks to promotion from League One via the playoffs.
Wales Online claim he was offered to a host of Championship clubs, presumably by his agent. West Bromwich Albion and Derby were the two main ones listed.
At the time, speculation over manager Frank Lampard’s future began to grow. The former midfielder eventually joined Chelsea in early July with Phillip Cocu replacing him.
Perhaps Derby’s reported decision to turn Williams down was through uncertainty over Lampard’s future. After Graeme Shinnie who had a pre-contract agreement, the club’s first summer signing Kieran Dowell didn’t arrive until July 11.
It was ultimately an opportunity missed by Derby. Williams has been in decent form for Charlton, grabbing four assists in eight Championship starts to date.
The 26-year-old started both of Wales’ Euro2020 qualifiers this past week. Ironically, ahead of Derby’s Tom Lawrence and last season’s top scorer Harry Wilson.
Also see: U21 international released by Derby County could sign for Bolton Wanderers.