Derby County is now in a phase of planning for their return to the Championship after clinching automatic promotion recently. Their remarkable achievement of accumulating the highest points total in a league season, capped off with a victory against Carlisle United at Pride Park, saw them finish with 92 points, earning them a place alongside Portsmouth in the second tier.
While the celebrations are ongoing this week, the club’s attention has shifted to discussions about players arriving at the East Midlands and potential departures. This topic is crucial as they aim to build upon the strong foundations laid by manager Paul Warne during this successful term.
One significant aspect of their planning involves converting their current loan move for a midfielder into a permanent deal during the upcoming summer transfer window. This move underscores Derby’s proactive approach to solidifying their squad for the challenges that await in the Championship.
Derby County players out of contract
Last month, Paul Warne, the manager, made it clear that contract discussions for players whose deals are expiring would not take place until the end of the season. This decision was made to maintain full focus on Derby County’s push for the Championship, a goal they have now achieved.
Following their successful campaign, talks will now commence with the club’s hierarchy regarding the future of 12 players whose contracts are set to expire at Pride Park this summer. Additionally, Max Bird, who agreed to join Bristol City during the January window, will also be leaving the club.
| Derby County players out of contract, as per Transfermarkt (not including loans) | |
|---|---|
| Player | Position |
| Louie Sibley | LM |
| Joe Wildsmith | GK |
| Tom Barkhuizen | LW |
| Liam Thompson | CM |
| Dwight Gayle | ST |
| Conor Hourihane | CM |
| Corey Smith | CM |
| James Collins | ST |
| Craig Forsyth | LB |
| Martyn Waghorn | ST |
| Darren Robinson | CM |
| Scott Loach | GK |
As the club focuses on the immediate futures of its current players, Derby County is also eyeing potential additions to strengthen its squad for the upcoming season.
One player in consideration is Ebou Adams, who arrived from Cardiff City during the January transfer window. Adams made a significant impact during his time in the East Midlands and is now linked with a permanent move to Pride Park in the summer.
Another player on Derby County’s radar is Jamal Lowe, currently on loan at Swansea City from AFC Bournemouth. Lowe has been touted for a potential move to Derby during the summer transfer window, indicating the club’s interest in bolstering their ranks with experienced and talented players.
Jamal Lowe transfer latest
The 29-year-old forward has attracted interest from several Championship clubs, including Derby County, according to a report by The Boot Room. Lowe, who is also a Jamaica international, has performed well during his time at Swansea City, scoring nine goals in 34 appearances under Luke Williams’ management.
Despite his success at Swansea, Lowe is unable to secure a permanent move to the club due to financial constraints. As a result, numerous Championship sides are vying for his signature. Middlesbrough, Ipswich Town, Norwich City, Millwall, and Watford are among the clubs linked with a potential move for Lowe. Additionally, there’s speculation about a return to Portsmouth, where he previously spent two years in his career.
Lowe’s contract with Bournemouth is set to expire in the summer, making him available for a free transfer for the upcoming season. This situation has intensified the competition among clubs eager to secure his services.
Derby fan pundit gives Jamal Lowe verdict amid transfer interest
It seems that Derby County is looking to lower the average age of their squad for the upcoming season, as they currently have the oldest squad in League One. Therefore, signing a 29-year-old like Lowe might not align with their strategy, despite his proven capabilities at this level.
However, Shaun Woodward, a Derby fan pundit from Football League World, sees advantages in Lowe joining Pride Park. He believes Lowe could replicate David McGoldrick’s success from the 2022/23 season if he becomes a Rams player.
Woodward expressed his support for Lowe’s potential arrival, especially if it’s a free transfer with reasonable wages. While Lowe hasn’t consistently reached high goal-scoring numbers throughout his career, Woodward acknowledges his experience in League One and the Championship, suggesting he could bolster Derby’s forward line.
Although signing players nearing 30 isn’t ideal for lowering squad age, Woodward acknowledges the current circumstances and suggests that Lowe could still be a valuable addition if he’s interested in joining Derby.
Ultimately, Woodward hopes Lowe can have a similar impact to McGoldrick, potentially becoming a key player for Derby despite his age.
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