Derby County man will get a chance to play for his future despite widely expected 2027 exit

Derby County endured a frustrating summer, but saw their fortunes turn on an excellent deadline day. DCFC have had a tough start to the campaign too, although they are not being helped by some early attacking injuries. After finishing 8th last year, the Rams have a tough task emulating their past success. They would land a Championship play-off place if they can end in the same spot, but early indications are that such a feat will be tough. That will not deter John Eustace though, or his players who have plenty at stake too. Some are playing for their futures, and among them is Norwegian striker Lars-Jorgen Salvesen. Salvesen joined Derby County in the winter of 2025 off the back of a strong stint in his native Norway with Viking FK. He has struggled to find a place in the starting XI, owing to strong competition and some spells out with injury. After a year down the pecking order, it was thought that Salvesen could leave DCFC in the summer with a year left on his contract. However, the 30-year-old remained, and he will get a chance to play for his future. Patrick Agyemang remains on the comeback trail from an achilles injury, and Carlton Morris is out with a calf issue at present. Rhian Brewster has just suffered a concussion too, leaving Salvesen as one of two natural strikers available alongside new signing Henrik Meister. Salvesen has played in all five Championship games so far, starting one. He fired home an excellent finish in the 2-0 win away at Portsmouth last week. As injuries limit Eustace's striker options and Meister settles into the English game, chances will come Salvesen's way. It means he has an opportunity to prove he can be of value to the Rams going forward when many felt the writing was already on the wall for the striker. When sidelined players return, chances will dry up for Salvesen unless he can hit form early. He is a powerful striker with good hold-up ability and is at his most dangerous when in and around the penalty box. His fine finish against Portsmouth showed this and served as a reminder that he can still be an asset for Derby County. However, Salvesen's goal record, age and injury struggles means DCFC are likely to look elsewhere for their striker options going forward. Morris has been a hit since signing from Luton Town, Meister is in on a loan-to-buy deal, and Agyemang will be back with a vengeance after his injury. Even if Salvesen can't earn a Pride Park stay, a strong 2026/27 season can set him up for a good move if he is to depart in 2027. He could yet earn a move to another English club, or make an intriguing move back to the continent after his past success in Norway. Enjoyed that? Add us to your Google sources See more EFL transfer news and match reaction from The72, first, in Google Search. Add us on Google