Reported Derby County target Alex Pritchard has hit back at Dean Hoyle after the Huddersfield Town owner claimed he overpaid for the player, the Athletic report.
Pritchard joined Huddersfield from Norwich for £11 million in 2018.
The former Norwich City man initially helped the Terriers stay in the Premier League, before falling out of favour during the club’s last two seasons in the Championship.
Pritchard was subsequently released by Huddersfield this past week.
Speaking to reporters, Huddersfield owner Dean Hoyle claimed he overpaid for him.
But Pritchard has since dismissed the owner’s claims, telling the Athletic how he was left out despite being fit to play while questioning the club’s investment in the team.
“I didn’t have the season I wanted but did I really get the chance to show what I was about? Probably not. Did I cut it? Probably not. And when people say, ‘You’re injury-prone’… I wasn’t. I was fit. “You all move on but I’ve seen things like someone saying, ‘We overpaid for Pritchard’. OK, that’s not my problem. That was what you did. “I came in the January, you ended up staying in the league and you earned whatever you earned (from being a Premier League club again). I bet you didn’t say anything about how much I cost then. After you’ve stayed up, did you invest enough? I don’t know. That’s just opinions but because it didn’t work out, why did you have to say you overpaid?” Pritchard explained.
According to a report by Last Word on Football, Derby County and Birmingham City are among several clubs looking to sign former Huddersfield Town man Alex Pritchard.
The Rams were also linked with the 28-year-old in January by the Telegraph.
Derby were the lowest scorers in the Championship last season, and Wayne Rooney’s side only secured survival following a chaotic final day 3-3 draw with Sheffield Wednesday.
Lee Gregory and Patrick Roberts have since returned to their parent clubs following loan spells, with Martyn Waghorn is out of contract at Pride Park next month.
Pritchard has ability and with finances at Pride Park somewhat limited, he could represent a fine opportunity if Rooney can help the attacker rediscover his top form.
Also see: Know your history: Derby’s top five leading appearance makers, four in all-time XI
Also see: Report: Derby joined by relegated club in chase to sign £1.5m international striker