Derby County manager John Eustace has confirmed that the club have courted former Premier League midfielder Jeff Hendrick, ahead of a potential move to Pride Park before the 2024/25 season comes to an end.
The 33-year-old is currently a free agent following his summer departure from Newcastle United and has spent the last couple of campaigns on loan in the Championship.
Eustace’s side are currently rock bottom of the table and sit seven-points from safety heading into the final ten matches of the season.
Hendrick set for Rams switch
According to his pre-match interview, Eustace confirmed to Derbyshire Live that Hendrick was set to train with the Championship side ahead of a short-term contract.
Hendrick would become the second free agent to secure a contract at Derby, following the arrival of former Rangers & Leeds United forward Kemar Roofe last month.
Speaking to Derbyshire Live, Eustace stated…
“We’ve got Jeff training with us at the moment which I think’s a real plus for us.
“Obviously, Jeff knows the club inside out. He was here when I was playing as well, and I know the kind of character he is. I think he’ll help the dressing room from now to the end of the season.
“He’s looked great. He’s obviously a very fit, very athletic lad, and he looks no different now from when I was playing with him.
“He’s had a fantastic career, so I think his experience coming in to help the group will be key.”
Regarding a potential timeframe for Hendrick’s deal to be confirmed, he added…
“We want to get him involved as much as we can and hopefully, this time next week, he will be part of the group.”
Can he keep Derby up?
Heading into Saturday’s Championship clash against Eustace’s former side Blackburn Rovers, the Rams are seven-points adrift of safety with just 11 league games to go.
Derby’s upcoming schedule does have games in their favour, having fixtures against Plymouth Argyle, Swansea City and Portsmouth which they can pick up points within.
However, the Rams also have difficult matches against Coventry City and Burnley to come.
This means they need to make sure they get points where they can, before they fall further behind and return to League One.
The 33-year-old has made 262 Championship appearances during his career thus far and has played for the likes of Queen’s Park Rangers and Sheffield Wednesday in recent seasons.
His experience could play a vital role in trying to re-inspire the Championship side to pull off a ‘great escape’ moment of their own and retain their second-tier status.
Is there a possibility of a deal for next season too?
Depending on the success of the short-term deal and the division the club are in, there is of course a possibility that he will re-sign again for next season.
Hendrick has likely been brought in following a further injury to Crystal Palace loanee David Ozoh. The short-term deal creates a low-risk scenario for Derby.
The 33-year-old knows the club very well and could play a captain-esc role for the Rams during his time there.
This could lead to him taking the captain’s armband if he stays next season – especially if they go down.
If he does well, there is always the possibility of another Championship side making a move for the 33-year-old.
However, the fact he broke through at Derby gives them a significant advantage in terms of a potential contract extension.
Derby fans, what are your thoughts on this?