This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...
Derby County have confirmed that Wayne Rooney will join the club from DC United next January in a player/coach role.
The ex-England international has signed an 18-month contract at the club, and will commence his duties at Pride Park from January 2020.
Speaking to the club's official website, Rams manager Phillip Cocu said: "Wayne Rooney is an extremely talented and top-class footballer.
“It is an exciting prospect for him to be joining Derby County and he can bring so much to this squad, both on and off the pitch. He has enjoyed a wonderful career, both in club football and for England, and he still has so much to give as well.
“His credentials speak for themselves. But to have a player with his leadership, skill, experience, character and work ethic will be huge for us. He knows what it takes to succeed as a player and I have no doubt he will have a positive impact right across the club."
So what do you make of Derby sealing an agreement for Rooney?
We discuss........
Ben Lang
"This is a really smart move for Derby, and it is another example of the club thinking outside the box to gain an edge.
"Very few clubs would have been alert to the possibility of signing Rooney in this capacity, and he would certainly be an experienced in the Derby dressing room.
"I think the main reason for the move is the coaching aspect, as Rooney will gain valuable coaching experience in England and Derby will be able to use his knowledge and inevitable man-management skills to their advantage. But his record in the MLS last season suggests he could also offer something on the pitch for the Rams.
"This is a statement move by Derby and is another example of the club raising its profile in the game following the appointment of Phillip Cocu, in addition to Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole's stints at the club last term."
George Harbey
“It’s just an absolutely bonkers one and I just cannot believe that it's happened.
“Signing Ashley Cole last year was one thing, but signing Wayne Rooney this time around is another thing – he’s one of the Premier League’s best ever players.
“His time in the MLS has been impressive thus far, and there is no doubting the fact that he could offer some real quality in the middle of the park still.
“This is a massive statement of intent, and it wouldn’t surprise me if Lampard has recommended Derby to him as he looks to step into coaching.”
[ad_pod ]
George Dagless
"Very intriguing.
"Rooney still has plenty to give judging from his performances in the MLS and though the Championship is a higher level I think he could still offer a great deal.
"Having that experience around a club is never a bad thing and just think what some of the players could learn from him if they worked closely with him.
"As a player/coach, only half his wages come into FFP calculations as well so in many ways it's a clever move financially as well as in terms of on the pitch matters."