Yes, others were keen, but this is the right move, says Kwaku
DERBY County’s 10th summer signing, Kwaku Oduroh, has confirmed that other clubs were interested in him after being released by Manchester City.
The 19-year-old signed for the Rams this week and interim manager Liam Rosenior said he had beaten off competition to get him.
Oduroh first arrived at the club as a trialist, impressing against Bradford City in the Rams’ first pre-season friendly last week, and has now signed a two-year contract.
He spent 14 years with the reigning Premier League champions – that is, from the age of five – captained City’s under-18s to the Premier League national title in 2021 and began to feature regularly in Pep Guardiola’s first team squad training sessions.
“I’m over the moon and delighted to be here,” Oduroh told Rams TV.
“With my situation at the end of the season with Manchester City, there were a lot of clubs interested.
“Derby were one of those and I really liked the sound of the project and I really wanted to be part of it.
“I bought into it, came down for a couple of days and I was delighted with what I saw – and it’s all come about from there.”
“I want to play in the first team as much as possible and get my name out there so people know what I am about.
“I want to develop under the coaches and with the players to feel comfortable around this environment.
“As a right back, I am going to give 100% all the time. I am honest and tough on the pitch.”
It will also be a first move away from home for the teenager. He thinks the time is right for that and also expects to have to step up the pace in training with the Rams.
“It’s a step up from Academy football but it’s also what I want,” he said.
“I want to develop as a person and a professional but I think I am heading in the right direction.
“At this age, it’s the right time for me to move away from home.
“If I had moved when I was younger, I would have found it difficult but I’m a young man and growing so it’s time for me to take that step to better myself.
“My family’s support has been amazing and it’s been crucial, not just now but through every stage of my career from when I started until now.
“They are a big part of what I do so if I win, they win. Everything we do, we do it together.
“It was important for them to be with me on the day I signed, because it’s a milestone for me and for my family in our journey.”