Derby County’s transfer business has started impressively as John Eustace oversees his first full window in charge as the club’s head coach.
Carlton Morris was the first to sign last week as he put pen to paper on a three-year deal after the club paid an undisclosed fee to Luton Town for his services.
That was then followed by the arrival of centre-back Danny Batth from Blackburn Rovers on Tuesday in what was a busy day of Derby arrivals.
The return of Andi Weimann was then confirmed later in the day with the attacker penning a one-year deal after following Batth from Ewood Park to Pride Park.
And finally, the experienced Richard O’Donnell signed a one-year contract to join Jacob Widell Zetterstrom and Josh Vickers as Derby’s trio of goalkeepers.
But while the fans were celebrating those arrivals, a number of players waved goodbye and here is the complete list of ins and outs that have taken place so far.
Ins
Carlton Morris
The striker put pen to paper on a three-year deal to become the first player to sign for Derby this window.
Derby paid an undisclosed fee for his services following his relegation with Luton Town in League One.
“It’s a massive club that I’ve heard a lot of good things about. When they came in for me, it was a bit of a no-brainer, really,” he said.
“The move is a big change, especially with my family. You want to know about the football club, about the area, and I’ve heard nothing but good. I’ve heard it’s a great family club, so I’m excited to get going.”
Danny Batth
The centre-back, who played more than 40 games for Blackburn Rovers last season, arrived from Ewood Park on a free transfer.
He had the chance to stay in the north west, but decided to rejoin head coach John Eustace at Pride Park.
“When I got the call, I was excited [by the opportunity] and I’m glad to be here now and ready to get down to work,” he said.
“I just think it was a great opportunity for me to come and help the team and the club. I’ve played against Derby over the years. I know what an occasion it is when you play at the stadium and the support the club gets. I just wanted to be part of that. It’s a real project, and I think the foundations were set last year. The club is now looking to move forward, so I want to be a big part of that.”
Andi Weimann
Like Batth, the Austrian attacker decided to make the switch from Ewood Park to Pride Park on a one-year contract and on a free transfer.
He scored nine goals in all competitions last season and is reunited with Eustace who was his team-mate at Watford and his former boss at Blackburn.
“I’m happy to be back. I’m delighted to get it over the line now and I am ready to crack on,” he said.
“I signed 10 years ago, and I left seven years ago. I had some good times, definitely, and I enjoyed my time here. Obviously, there were some disappointments because we lost in the play-offs twice, so maybe I’ve got a little bit to point to prove here.”
Richard O’Donnell
Derby moved to sign the experienced goalkeeper on a one-year deal after he left Blackpool where he had spent the last two years.
He will join the goalkeeper’s union at Derby of Jacob Widell Zetterstrom and Josh VIckers.
He replaces Rohan Luthra who was released at the end of the season.
“After speaking to the gaffer and Paul Clements, it was a really appealing one for me in terms of where I fit in and where my role is. Before the last couple of years, I’ve been used to playing week in, week out. I’ve nearly got to that 500-game mark, which is still a target of mine.
“I’ve had many highlights, starting at my boyhood club Sheffield Wednesday and then playing at Wembley. There’s been plenty of ups and plenty of downs. That’s part of the reason why I’m here, using my experience to help guide everyone through, as well as the already experienced boys who are here.”
Outs
Sonny Bradley
Released at the end of last season, the centre-back has since found himself a new home in the guise of Lincoln City.
Will be reunited with his former Derby team-mate James Collins who currently leads the attack at Sincil Bank.
Tyrese Fornah
The midfielder spent the entirety of last season on loan at Salford City where they just missed out on the League Two playoffs.
Was inevitably released by Derby at the end of the season but has since joined Northampton Town on a three-year deal.
Tom Barkhuizen
Was released at the end of the season which brought his three-year stint at Pride Park to an end.
Officially became a free agent this week.
Conor Washington
Didn’t have the best of times at Derby in a injury-hit spell at the Rams. Was unsurprisingly released at the end of the season.
Rohan Luthra
Did feature on the bench towards the back end of the campaign as he became back up to Josh Vickers after Jacob Widell Zetterstrom picked up an injury.
Was allowed to leave at the end of the campaign.
Jeff Hendrick
Didn’t feature once for Derby after signing on a free transfer after the January window had shut.
Released at the end of the season.
Kemar Roofe
Was released at the end of the season, but is currently training with Derby to work on his fitness as he ponders his next move.
Currently available on a free transfer.
Erik Pieters
Did make one appearance when he came off the bench in the final home game against Stoke City on the last day of the season.
Was released at the end of the campaign.
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