PRO SPORT has alleged that former Manchester City goalkeeper, Costel Pantilimon, is rumoured to be joined Derby County.
The goalkeeper, who currently represents Watford, is said to have been lined up by Derby manager, Steve McClaren.
In what may appear a bizarre move to people, with their current number one Scott Carson doing so well. However, it would make sense if they were planning to send young keeper, Jonathan Mitchell out on loan. The young stopper, 22, joined the club in 2014 from Newcastle. He made his debut in last season’s third round FA cup tie against Hartlepool, before enjoying a loan spell at Luton. Derby may now be looking at giving him further experience.
Pantilimon is no stranger to English football fans. Standing at 6’8 tall, he has always been fondly recognised for his height.
He initially joined the English game, and at Manchester City, on loan. Initially cover for England goalkeeper, Joe Hart, Pantilimon took over the second choice spot from the departing Shay Given. After deputising in the cup games for the club, he was finally given his opportunity on the big stage in 2014. Playing on the winning side as City defeated his future club – Sunderland 3-1.
When he left City, to join Sunderland in the following summer – he left in search of first team football and quickly took the number one spot at The Stadium Of Light. However, after a combination of poor form and the rise of Jordan Pickford, he was subsequently dropped.
His position never recovered and left to join Watford last summer. The fee, as reported at the time, was in the region of 500,000.
He has, however, been unable to remove first choice, Heurelho Gomes from his position and one of the occasions he did play: he conceded six to Liverpool.
Now appears to be another first team football search for the big keeper, with Derby the alleged destination. Whether he would be able to remove Scott Carson, however, is a different question.
