Derby County are in advanced talks to sign a League One midfielder on a free transfer ahead of the 2025/26 Championship season.
The Rams survived relegation from the Championship last season after John Eustace returned to the club as manager in February. The former Derby player guided the club to safety after leaving Blackburn Rovers.
Eustace is already making plans to improve his Derby County squad, with Dion Sanderson being linked with a move to the Championship side.
Fellow League One man, Sonny Carey, is also rumoured to be moving to Pride Park.
Derby County want Sonny Carey
Pete O’Rourke has reported that Derby County are in advanced talks with Carey over a move away from Blackpool to the Rams.
The move would be on a free transfer as confirmed by O’Rourke and see Carey make the step-up back to the Championship.
Carey’s impressive League One campaign
Carey played 33 times for Blackpool in the League One 2024/25 season. He started 23 times, averaging 64 minutes per game.
The midfielder received an average Sofascore rating of 6.95, the joint fifth highest in the team.
Carey chipped in with eight goals in the league, finishing three behind leading scoring Ashley Fletcher.
The 24-year-old was an attacking threat throughout the season for Blackpool. He averaged 1.9 total shots and 0.9 shots on target per game.
He could have had more goals, missing five big chances. Carey finished the season with a 13% goal conversion.
Is this a good move for Carey?
Carey does have experience in the Championship. He last played in the division in the 2022/23 season for Blackpool.
In 37 games, he had four goal contributions with three goals and one assist. This helped him receive an average Sofascore rating of 6.6.
Carey’s certainly developed since his last taste of Championship football. He’s become more of an attacking threat, as shown by his eight goals and high shooting statistics.
The return to the Championship will test the midfielder. He’ll be up against players that have recently played in the Premier League.
If he wants to continue his development, it’s in those games that he needs to impress and show his best qualities.