Duane Holmes returns to Huddersfield Town in permanent move

An American player is returning to the club of his youth.

English Championship club Huddersfield Town announced the signing of Duane Holmes for an undisclosed fee. The deal is through 2024 and has an additional extension year. The 26-year-old midfielder was most recently with Derby County.

“This club means so much to me,” Holmes told HTAFC.com. “I grew up here and I still feel like I’ve got so much to give to this football club. I’m happy that I’ve got the chance to do it… Hopefully I’ve not changed too much. I still want to be an exciting player to watch. I want to bring goals to the team, and I want to help the team out in any way I can.”

Holmes spent his entire academy career with Huddersfield, going on a journey that began with the U-9s and culminated with his professional debut in September of 2013. He made 19 total appearances in his first season, but his playing time progressively decreased. Loans to Yeovil Town and Bury followed, but both were cut short. His contract was not renewed following the 2015-16 season.

In July of 2016, Holmes joined Scunthorpe United in League 1. He thrived at Glanford Park, scoring 12 goals in 93 appearances across all competitions. His play earned a move up the pyramid to Derby County. He enjoyed two productive seasons but recently hit a low point. Manager Wayne Rooney held the midfielder out for “footballing reasons,” claiming there was not enough effort and performance during training.

Huddersfield is currently in 14th place in the Championship with 31 points from 25 matches. The club is on a slight dip in form, dropping four straight fixtures. Holmes’ second tenure with The Terriers should be more successful than the first. He is now an established veteran, having experienced success with multiple clubs. His new manager, Carlos Corberán, praised the player’s versatility along with his “energy, determination, speed, and eye for goal.” The plan is to deploy him as a box-to-box, attacking midfielder, and winger.

Holmes was eligible to represent England and the United States, choosing the latter. His senior international debut came in a June 2019 friendly against Jamaica. He was named to the roster for the 2019 Gold Cup but withdrew due to an injury. The Georgia native has yet to receive another call-up.

Is this a good move for Duane Holmes? Let us know in the comment section.