Derby County have been preparing for a tough season by bringing in a number of different-style players. The Rams narrowly survived Championship relegation last season thanks to the February arrival of John Eustace.
After settling the ship at relegation-threatened Blackburn Rovers and turning them into play-off contenders, Eustace made the switch to Derby to help guide them to safety. In order to build on last season’s finish, Eustace has signed a mix of experienced players and up-and-coming talents.
Three young players have come in on loan from teams that will feature in the European competitions this season. Bobby Clark from RB Salzburg, Owen Beck from Liverpool and David Ozoh from Crystal Palace have all arrived at Derby with heaps of potential and even more to prove to their parent clubs.
These loan-signings are a part of Derby’s cost-conscious transfer plans that have also seen four more experienced players, including Rhian Brewster, arrive on free transfers. This frugal business has allowed for bigger spending with the likes of Patrick Agyemang for £5.8 million and another potential new arrival who has worked with Eustace in the past.
Eustace wants Travis reunion with Derby bid submitted
Tuesday afternoon saw Derby make their next move in the transfer market as they submitted an ambitious bid of £1.5 million for Blackburn Rovers captain Lewis Travis. Eustace previously managed Travis during his tenure as Blackburn boss and regularly relied upon him when fit.
Eustace was often full of praise for Travis, and in a game where the midfielder had gotten himself suspended, Eustace still described his performance as “sensational” and praised him as a “real leader”.
Unfortunately, this reunion may have to wait a while longer as the Lancashire Times’ Elliot Jackson has reported that the £1.5 million bid has been rejected as it falls short of Blackburn’s evaluation of Travis. The phrasing of this report does indicate that Blackburn may be open to selling their skipper if Derby are able to offer a price that they deem fair.
Travis is a seasoned player and has survived relegation battles before. He fits the model of player that Eustace seems to want to bring in this summer, but, at only 27 years old, Travis may be the best transfer of the bunch.
Eustace backs experience at Derby
The young loanees have their own merits, but they do lack the experience of regular EFL game time and the stress of a relegation battle. Due to this, Eustace has balanced the squad with a number of experienced players who can lead the team to safety.
Age
EFL Games Played
Travis*
27
248
Weimann
34
482
Batth
34
480
O’Donnell
36
383
Morris
29
290
* Not Yet Signed
If Travis arrives, these five players will have played a monumental 1,883 EFL games between them. Last season, Derby had the oldest average squad age in the Championship with 27.6 years, which has now increased to 28.1 years, just behind newly promoted Wrexham.
Eustace must view the experienced players as instrumental to the club’s survival last season, and so is doubling down on including this profile of player in the squad.
Furthermore, Danny Batth, Andi Weimann, and loanee Owen Beck have all played under Eustace before, so it’s clear that he isn’t taking risks and wants either experienced players or those he knows he can trust. Given this and his past comments about Travis, it’s no wonder that Derby are trying to sign him.
Travis may have the fewest appearances of these five players, but he is the youngest by two years. With almost 250 EFL games under his belt, and potentially another five to ten years of football left in him, Travis is the perfect blend of experience and potential longevity that, if signed, won’t only help Derby this season but in the future.
