Derby County Challenge Championship Side For 22-Year-Old Winger

Derby County are reportedly set to rival fellow Championship side Norwich City for the signature of 22-year-old Olaf Kobacki from Polish second-division side Arka Gdynia. 

The winger is looking increasingly likely to depart his current club, with Arka Gdynia needing sales to comply with regulations. It is reported that Karol Czubak and Olaf Kobacki are the ones the club are willing to offload, following impressive campaigns for the paid.

Kobacki, is attracting interest from the EFL with Norwich City and Derby County submitting initial offers, according to Interia Sport. However, due to the relative level of the leagues, the player is unlikely to automatically qualify for a work permit, which may mean that the clubs will have to activate an Elite Significant Contribution.

The scheme was brought in post-Brexit to help support clubs sign players that do not meet the standard of GBE criteria. It has been coined the “football visa” and the club must demonstrate the player is of an exceptional talent to be permitted entry.

Kobacki appeared 37 times in all competitions last season, contributing 16 goals and seven assists as his side finished third in the table.

A solid addition for Derby County?

It has been expected that Derby would look to Europe and emerging markets to attempt to tap into talent that might be available at a lower price than their English counterparts.

This demonstrates the inventive recruitment that can be achieved by casting your net slightly further afield. Kobacki is still only 22 and has just come off the back of an impressive season in a competitive league. He club also need to raise funds so will be available at perhaps a cheaper price than he would be if they were hoping to keep hold of the winger.

He is also still young, so if he is developed well, could prove to be a valuable asset in later years, with a huge sell on potential, especially if he is able to replicate his performances in the EFL.