The American Striker on his Way to Derby: Who is Patrick Agyemang?

The American Striker on his Way to Derby: Who is Patrick Agyemang?

Recent rumours have suggested that John Eustaces’ Derby County are looking to bolster their attacking options in order to increase their chances of Championship survival next season.

This search for a clinical marksman up top has led to the doorway of MLS side Charlotte FC, specifically for their 24-year-old Ghanaian-American striker, Patrick Agyemang.

🚨🐏 Excl: Derby County are closing in on deal to sign 24 year old striker Patrick Agyemang from Charlotte FC.

Talks underway with player’s green light already in place. pic.twitter.com/qCVPIuBotn

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 24, 2025

Agyemang has recently started to turn heads in world football - a consistent, regular scorer of goals in the MLS, he has also brought a new dimension to the United States mens’ national team, netting four in seven internationals in 2025.

In his last five MLS games alone, he has bagged five goals and an assist, and the prospect of being linked with them has made Rams fans somewhat giddy. Although it is not a done deal yet, Football Park investigates exactly how the highly-rated American could impact Derby’s Championship prospects next season.

Who is Patrick Agyemang?

Raw stats first - Agyemang has eight goals in 18 games across all comps this season for Charlotte FC, 22 in his three seasons there, and five further goals for the US national team. On the surface, it seems Derby are set to land a lethal forward.

But what are the underlying figures? What are his strengths and weaknesses?

First off, he is clinical - with six MLS goals this season from an XG of 5.14, he is scoring more than the quality of his chances dictates. Combine that with his shots on target ratio, which sits at just above 50% of his total attempts, and it is easy to see why he is rated so highly.

STOP AND WATCH 🛑 USMNT legend Patrick Agyemang does his best Thierry Henry impression for your timeline as a pallet cleanser on this mild news filled Thursday pic.twitter.com/UZYCio16Fw

— Major League Shill (@VoxProMLS) June 26, 2025

And he is more than just a finisher. For someone who stands at 6 feet and 4 inches, Agyemang is blessed with a decent turn of pace, something which can be attributed to his time spent as a left winger in the Eastern Connecticut State third division.

Able to drift out wide to his old position and cut inside with a burst of speed, as well as being able to run comfortably in behind the back line, Agyemang has another string to his bow.

Patrick Agyemang with the United States' winning goal against Haiti last night 🇺🇸

Mauricio Pochettino’s side come out of Group D with a 100% win rate thanks to the Charlotte FC striker ✅ pic.twitter.com/vUWwg5M2v4

— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) June 23, 2025

He is also an accomplished dribbler, again a surprising trait for one so tall. In the MLS, he has a dribble success rate of 42.4% - for context, that is a higher figure than Premier League wingers such as Kaoru Mitoma and Crysencio Summerville. Able to progress the ball at speed and take defenders out at the same time, Agyemang becomes an ever more attractive prospect.

But of course, there must be some drawbacks.

What Can Agyemang Improve?

While has the talents to be a creative force, he is yet to develop his passing ability - he averages just 11.8 successful passes per 90, along with 31.6 six touches. Of course, it is expected that strikers can find themselves isolated for long periods of the game, but even so, the ability to offload and bring teammates into play is an important facet of the game, one which Agyemang no doubt needs to improve.

As a result, he has just one assist all season, which across 18 games, is a figure most would expect to be higher for someone so explosive.

He has also been dispossessed 22 times in the MLS this season, a figure which puts him in the bottom twelfth percentile in that area. For a player who likes to dribble and progress the ball, losing it is only natural, but Agyemang’s success rate needs to be higher.

Lastly, although not a major issue, he needs to work on his discipline - he has been shown three yellow cards in the league this season, a lot less than fellow MLS strikers such as Emmanuel Latte Lath (7).

Though some character and aggression is actively encouraged in English football - let them know you’re there and all that - Agyemang is still only 24, and some rash decisions in defence have led to pointless yellow cards, something that he needs to work on.

So how would the tall, pacy, skillful American fit in under John Eustace if the move goes through?

What is the Plan for Agyemang?

The rumours that Derby are in the market for a striker are double-edged - Agyemang is only half of the story. It was announced on Thursday that Luton’s Carlton Morris had signed for the club, and it has become clear that Eustace wants to completely revamp the front line.

Derby County have completed the signing of @CarltonJM! ✅

The striker has signed a three-year deal at Pride Park Stadium. 🤝

— Derby County (@dcfcofficial) June 26, 2025

Should Agyemang arrive, it would be crucial in his development to play alongside an experienced partner, and with Morris having Premier League experience, he is the perfect player to nurture and advise the young American.

It also suggests that Eustace is looking to further strengthen the 3-5-2 system that altered Derby’s fortunes so drastically last campaign. Comfortably in the relegation zone when Eustace took over in February, his switch away from the previously used 4-2-3-1 reaped immediate rewards.

Derby would go on to win half of their remaining Championship games, a run which saw them rise from rock bottom to 20th place, securing survival.

‘The Bounce’ isn’t everyone’s bag, but after John Eustace transformed Derby from relegation certainties to survivors, this feels particularly poignant.

Championship Manager of the Season. pic.twitter.com/wY11z1QmTq

— Steve Bloomer’s Washing (@SteveBloomerPod) May 3, 2025

It is clear that Eustace wants to avoid being drawn into another relegation scrap, and the signings of Morris and Agyemang would greatly improve their goal threat. Morris would likely fall into the play-making poacher type role, while Agyemang would be the explosive goalscoring force that puts the ball in the net at all costs.

While they may not be competing for promotion or the play-offs next season, Derby are certainly on the right track in the transfer market. Should the deal for Agyemang be sealed, they will have curated a forward who could be the figurehead of a charge up the league, and if they keep hold of him long enough, a long awaited promotion back to the top flight.

In addition, Football Park also understands that the signings of Blackburn centre back Danny Batth and teammate Andreas Weimann have been completed, and will be announced imminently.