Derby County have whittled their right-back hunt down to Alfie Gilchrist and Max Johnston, with Graeme Bailey stating there is a ‘fair chance’ the former joins.
Derby County finished just one point above the relegation spots last season, but have made several new additions as they look to establish themselves in the Championship after their promotion from League One in 2024.
Danny Bath and Andreas Weimann join DCFC as part of a double Blackburn Rovers swoop, while Rhian Brewster and Carlton Morris join John Eustace’s attacking options ahead of their first game against Stoke City.
DCFC - Derby County boss John Eustace
Image courtesy of: PETER CZIBORRA/REUTERS.
The Rams have also been bold enough to bring out their chequebook this summer, signing Patrick Agyemang from MLS side CharlotteFC for a fee that could rise as high as £7.3 million.
They have also utilised the loan market, signing four players on a temporary basis for the full 2025/26 season.
Derby County loan signings
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However, the Rams remain light at right-back, with Kane Wilson still recovering from a knee injury. Ryan Nyambe is returning to full fitness while Joe Ward has been down the pecking order, resulting in Jake Rooney finding pre-season minutes.
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With this in mind, the club appears to be searching for a new right-sided defender to join Eustace’s squad, perhaps not in time for the Stoke City match, but before the transfer window closes this month. EFL Analysis have reported that Derby County lead the race for Chelsea’s Alfie Gilchrist, who spent time on loan at Sheffield United last season.
“I would say they’re the most advanced as it stands,” said transfer expert Graeme Bailey, when asked about DCFC’s pursuit of Gilchrist.
“Chelsea are looking at permanent, and while they could loan him, I think it’s more likely to be a permanent deal.”
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Gilchrist is not the only option for the Rams, as they are also considering making a third offer for Max Johnston. Speculation has continued after the Scottish defender was left out of Sturm Graz’s most recent pre-season fixture.
Dion Sanderson could be all the cover Derby County need
In the lead-up to the first match against Championship, Eustace spoke to the Derby County media and hinted at the fact that new loan signing Dion Sanderson could be all the cover that he needs while the other right-back options return from injury.
Sanderson joins DCFC on loan to play his fourth stint under the former Birmingham City manager, but he could be forced into a different role as early as this weekend.
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BCFC - Birmingham City man Dion Sanderson
Image courtesy of: ED SYKES/REUTERS.
“We need cover at the back at the moment,” said Eustace in his pre-match interview. “He’s very athletic, he can play a number of positions, which is key at the moment, especially because we are lacking numbers due to injuries in the defensive area.”
The relationship between the manager and his new recruit could be vital in Sanderson’s future, as he only joins the club on an initial loan deal, but appears to trust Eustace so a permanent deal could be possible in the future.
Now or never for Sanderson
Despite being an experienced Championship defender, Sanderson has struggled for game time last season, even being forced into a Blackburn Rovers loan for the second half of the campaign after playing just twice in League One with Birmingham City.
If he is to succeed in England’s second division, it will be under Eustace as he has often found himself turning to the manager when he doesn’t play regular football for another side. The former QPR coach knows how to get the best out of Sanderson, so Derby County fans could be in for a treat this season.
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The 25-year-old has shown that he is capable of delivering good performances in the Championship, he just needs to showcase his true ability once again and find himself in an established side. This has been difficult to do due to Eustace’s frequent moves around the division, but the pair will both be hoping they have found a home at Derby County.
Blackett-Taylor starts: Derby County team news and predicted XI to face Stoke City