There he would remain for a decade, progressing through the age groups and earning a place in the Under-18s squad when he was still just 16. He was even named on the bench for the Championship clash against Bournemouth in November 2021 by then-manager Wayne Rooney.
However, in March 2022 Aston Villa came calling as they looked to capitalise on the Rams' precarious financial situation, with the club in administration and headed towards relegation to League One. The Villans paid a reported £600,000 ($760,000) in compensation to sign the youngster, and having already featured for the U21s, he signed his first professional contract in September that year.
However, in March 2022 Aston Villa came calling as they looked to capitalise on the Rams' precarious financial situation, with the club in administration and headed towards relegation to League One. The Villans paid a reported £600,000 ($760,000) in compensation to sign the youngster, and having already featured for the U21s, he signed his first professional contract in September that year.