‘Excellent business’ – Crystal Palace secure signing of Derby County player: The verdict

This article is part of Football League World’s ‘The Verdict‘ series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Crystal Palace have secured the signing of highly-rated Derby County striker Luke Plange. 

The 19-year-old, who has signed a three-and-a-half-year deal with the Premier League outfit, has been loaned back to the Rams for what remains of this season. 

Plange started the campaign in excellent form for Derby’s U23s, scoring five times in 10 PL2 matches, before being trusted within the first team set up at pride Park. 

The young striker made his debut away to Bristol City at the start of December, netting his first goal at senior level a week later, a strike that proved to be the matchwinner against Blackpool. 

Plange has netted three times in six league starts this season, adding a further two appearances from the bench. 

Three of our writers here at FLW have shared their thoughts regarding this deal and what qualities he brings to the Premier League outfit…

Chris Thorpe

I think it’s a good move for him, especially when you assess how many young players Palace are blooding in/bringing through.

Obviously it’s very unfortunate for Derby but at the same time they do need the money.

Plange is a player that they would have known would go on to bigger and better things, so naturally they wish him well.

He now has a chance to be a hero and keep them in the Championship during his loan.

Overall I think this is excellent business by Palace.

Declan Harte

Plange has burst onto the scene this season for Derby County and has looked very impressive.

The 19-year old striker clearly has a lot of potential and has performed well