Derby County found themselves financially drained by a costly misstep during a turbulent period in the club’s recent history. Ikechi Anya’s arrival at Pride Park was anticipated with excitement by fans, given his promising track record at Watford. However, the reality turned out differently, as Anya’s tenure with the Rams proved to be a major disappointment.
Despite his initial promise, Anya struggled to make a significant impact, managing just 38 appearances over four seasons before retiring in 2020. His exorbitant wage, reportedly £28,000-per-week during his debut season, only exacerbated the financial strain on the club, making him one of the highest earners at the time.
| Derby top earners – 2016/17 Season | |
|---|---|
| 1. Darren Bent | £30k per week |
| 2. Matej Vydra | £30k per week |
| 3. Ikechi Anya | £28k per week |
| 4. David Nugent | £25k per week |
| 5. Alex Pearce | £25k per week |
| Sourced by Capology | |
In total, Anya’s stint at Derby cost the club a staggering £5.8 million in wages, a substantial sum for a player who only scored once for the team. This financial burden serves as a cautionary tale for Derby as they aim to secure promotion back to the Championship. With the club now focused on financial stability and prudent spending under Paul Warne, players like Louie Sibley, despite their contributions on the pitch, earn considerably less than Anya did during his time at the club.
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