Derby County, Plymouth Argyle and Oxford United eyeing transfer for Brendan Wiredu | OneFootball

Fleetwood Town captain Brendan Wiredu is attracting interest from clubs in the Championship.

Fleetwood Town captain Brendan Wiredu is attracting interest from Derby County, Oxford United and Plymouth Argyle, as well as clubs in League One and Scotland.

According to Football Insider, Derby, Oxford and Plymouth are preparing to make a move for the 24-year-old, who impressed in the third tier last season despite Fleetwood suffering relegation to League Two.

League One sides Bolton Wanderers, Blackpool and Wrexham are also keen on signing Wiredu, who has been a key player as part of a back three for the Cod Army under Charlie Adam, while Scottish outfit Heart of Midlothian have also shown an interest, as per the report.

Fleetwood want to keep hold of Wiredu this summer, as they look to bounce back to League One at the first time of asking. He was named club captain in January this year, shortly after signing a new contract until 2026, despite the club's precarious position in the table at the time.

While Wiredu seems happy at Fleetwood, and the club want to keep hold of him, it would be a difficult opportunity to turn down if a Championship club approached him.

Championship clubs are keen on Wiredu

It is no surprise to see that Championship clubs are interested in signing Wiredu. Despite Fleetwood's relegation, he was a standout player in the third tier during the 2023/24 campaign.

He ranked second in League One for interceptions per 90 (FotMob) last season, and also featured in the top three players for the most successful tackles per 90. The 24-year-old is also versatile, capable of playing in defence, midfield, and on the right-hand side if required.

Derby's defensive solidity was a key factor during their promotion-winning season last term, as they conceded the fewest goals in the division. After shipping four goals against Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park on the opening day of the new season, it seems as though Paul Warne has identified Wiredu as an ideal defensive reinforcement.

Plymouth also look as though they need to strengthen defensively after they lost 4-0 to Sheffield Wednesday in their first game of the new campaign. New boss Wayne Rooney will hope that signing Wiredu can help his new side tighten up at the back, as he looks to make the most of his latest opportunity in management.

Oxford could do with at least one more option in the centre of defence, and Wiredu would be a good addition for Des Buckingham as he looks to strengthen in that position. The former Colchester United man is accomplished on the ball, which is something that could help him slot into Buckingham's system comfortably.

With Championship clubs lurking, it seems unlikely that Bolton, Blackpool, Wrexham or Hearts will be able to sign Wiredu, despite their interest. The 24-year-old showed loyalty to Fleetwood during a difficult period last season, and is proud to be captain of the club, so it could take a Championship offer to convince him to move on.

Where will Wiredu end up?

As a youngster at Charlton Athletic, Wiredu made it clear that he wanted opportunities in the first team, and after his chances were limited, he left the club to join Colchester United at the age of 21.

Wiredu does not seem like a player who would be happy to sign for a club unless he knew he was guaranteed minutes. He is definitely capable of starting for a Championship side, and he might have a decision to make if Derby, Plymouth and Oxford all make offers.

He may decide that Oxford is the right move at this stage of his career. Working under a manager like Buckingham, in a system that could allow him to showcase his ability on the ball as well as the defensive side of his game, could be ideal for him.

There is no shortage of interest in Wiredu this summer, and Fleetwood do not want to lose him, so it will be interesting to see where he is at the end of the transfer window.