Derby County have been linked with a move for Amine Bassi, the Moroccan attacking midfielder currently a free agent and eager to return to European football following his departure from Major League Soccer.
The Rams are busy plotting their final moves in the transfer market, looking to make additions for the final time this season.
Manager John Eustace seeks to strengthen his squad ahead of the decisive second half of the Championship campaign.
With limited time remaining in the window, Derby are carefully weighing up opportunities that could add quality without stretching resources.
Reports in Foot Mercato claim the Rams are interested in the 28-year-old, who became a free agent after leaving MLS side Houston Dynamo.
Bassi made the move to the United States after leaving Metz, and quickly became a popular figure with Dynamo supporters. During his time in Houston, he registered 21 goals and 18 assists in 114 appearances, operating primarily as an attacking midfielder but also featuring in wider roles.
His contributions helped the club lift the US Open Cup in 2023, a notable highlight of his spell in North America.
Now looking to return to Europe, Bassi is keen to continue the form he showed in MLS and re-establish himself on the continent. Derby have been mentioned as a potential destination, with the Championship offering a competitive platform for the attacker to showcase his abilities.
Bassi is no stranger to English football, having previously spent time in the second tier. He joined Barnsley on loan from Metz during the second half of the 2021–22 season, where he made 15 appearances, scoring two goals and providing five assists.
Despite coming through the ranks at Nancy, Bassi struggled to secure a consistent first-team role at Metz, but his move to MLS provided him with the platform to play regularly and rebuild confidence.
Comfortable operating as a number 10 or from either flank, Bassi combines technical quality with an eye for goal, while his ability to receive the ball in tight areas and drive at defenders could add unpredictability to Derby’s attacking play.
His experience across multiple leagues, coupled with previous Championship exposure, suggests he could adapt quickly to the demands of the division.
With Derby seeking greater creativity and width in the final third, Bassi’s versatility, work rate and end product could give John Eustace additional tactical options during the run-in.
Derby’s primary focus this January has been moving players out before bringing new faces in.
Ryan Nyambe is the latest to depart, having joined Reading last week, following the exits of Ebou Adams and Curtis Nelson, who moved on to Portsmouth and MK Dons respectively.
Those departures have created both space within the squad and flexibility from a financial perspective.
A wide player is understood to be on Derby’s agenda, and Bassi’s ability to operate across the attacking line could appeal to Eustace as he looks to strengthen his options in the final third.
Born in France, Bassi is of Moroccan descent and has represented Morocco at under-21 level, adding international experience to his profile.
While there has been no official confirmation from Pride Park, Derby are believed to be monitoring the situation closely as the window enters its final stages.
If a deal were to materialise, Bassi would arrive as an experienced, low-risk option capable of adding creativity and depth as the Rams aim to finish the season strongly.
