After experiencing survival success in the Championship, anticipation is growing around Derby County as they look to bolster their squad for next season.
With The Rams managing to avoid relegation in the 2024/25 campaign, they now face a fresh set of challenges if they wish to kick on and solidify themselves as a stable team in England’s second tier.
To do so, John Eustace must act smart in the upcoming transfer window, as he aims to bring in more players with Championship quality.
Carlton Morris – Luton Town
With Jerry Yates and Marcus Harness departing upon the expiry of their loan deals, Derby could prioritise the attacking market as they look to add further depth up top. Despite Kayden Jackson and Lars-Jørgen Salvesen still having a part to play at the club, The Rams are in desperate need of a reliable first-choice striker.
Luton Town’s Carlton Morris is somebody who could certainly fit that criteria, as the Englishman would bring Premier League and Championship experience having made nearly 200 appearances across the two leagues.
Additionally, the 29-year-old has been known to pose a constant threat going forward, as he scored 39 times during his tenure with the Hatters. Most memorably, the 20 goals throughout his 2022/23 Championship season proved to be vital in Luton’s promotion to the top flight.
Other clubs in the Championship could likely take an interest in Morris this summer. However, the English striker could potentially be excited by the progress that Eustace has made since arriving at Derby in February.
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Macaulay Langstaff – Millwall
Carrying on from the point that Derby County may be on the lookout for a new striker, Millwall’s Macaulay Langstaff could be another possible signing for John Eustace.
Langstaff made a real name for himself during his time at Notts County, with 77 goal contributions throughout his two-year tenure at the club. The Englishman’s most memorable campaign came during the 2022/23 season, where he would go on to score 42 goals for The Magpies in the National League.
Despite the struggles to build on his impressive form since signing for Millwall last year, he hasn’t been given the best of chances to shine with a lack of game time under Alex Neil.
Therefore, the 28-year-old may well be on the lookout for a new club, as he will be eager to prove his worth and reignite the goal-scoring ability that was on show during his time at Notts County.
Lewis Wing – Reading
Lewis Wing is a player who has displayed a high level of consistency since signing for Reading in 2023. This is something that Eustace will be looking for in the transfer market, as he aims to bring in players who can hit the ground running at Pride Park.
In a Reading side that just missed out on a play-off spot in League One, Wing played a crucial role for The Royals, recording nine goals and six assists during his 46 appearances for the club.
According to statistics from Fotmob, the 30-year-old was given an average match rating of 7.59, which was higher than any other player in the division. Wing’s creative ability was also emphasised through the 75 chances that he set up over the course of the season.
Despite the potential arrival of the English midfielder requiring a transfer fee, it’s not unreasonable to suggest that he could make a positive impact for The Rams, offering a goal threat whilst also carrying the qualities to be solid defensively.
Nathaniel Phillips – Liverpool
One player who will most likely be on Derby’s books this summer is Liverpool centre-back Nathaniel Phillips, after an impressive loan spell with The Rams last season.
The 28-year-old made 32 appearances throughout the Championship campaign, offering defensive stability alongside Matthew Clarke and Sondre Klingen Langås.
Derby fans will certainly remember his aerial threat from set pieces, especially when Phillips’ header against relegation rivals Hull City proved to be vital in the 1-0 victory which took place on the 26th of April, earning John Eustace’s side a colossal point towards safety.
As his contract is looking to expire with Liverpool at the end of June, Phillips could be made a free agent, meaning there is a great chance for Eustace to take an interest in bringing the Englishman back to Pride Park.
Ethan Galbraith – Leyton Orient
Another position Derby may also look to strengthen this summer is the wing-back area, with Ethan Galbraith having the potential to be a smart bit of recruitment. Despite renewing the contract of Kane Wilson a few weeks ago, The Rams could benefit from bringing in the Leyton Orient defender.
Often operating at right-back, Galbraith enjoyed an impressive campaign under Richie Wellens, with 12 goal contributions throughout the 2024/25 League One season.
Through representing Northern Ireland on the international stage, the 24-year-old has also demonstrated an aspect of versatility within his game, as he featured in the right-wing position against Switzerland on 21st March.
The sticking point for Derby could be Leyton Orient’s choice to extend Galbraith’s contract until the summer of 2026, meaning a fee would be required if The Rams were keen to take on the promising talent.