Here are the twelve players who could leave Derby County for free this summer.
Derby County are into their second campaign in League One since an unfortunate point deduction brought their 14 year stint in the Championship to an end.
The Rams narrowly missed out on the top six last time out, while they are currently sat in an automatic promotion spot and will be desperate not to crack under the pressure this time.
Derby have a long list of players who have put in exceptional work this season and will be key to a return to the second tier, however it is unclear whether a high percentage of them will even be at the club by the summer.
Paul Warne‘s side have 12 players out of contract at the end of the season, while another three will see their loan spells come to an end.
Their futures beyond this season could depend on which league Derby County are in next season, but it could also mean a very busy transfer window for the Midlands outfit.
Here are the 12 players who are out of contract this summer…
Louie Sibley
Louie Sibley has been with Derby County since joining their academy in 2010 and has since racked up over 150 appearances for the senior team.
The 22-year-old has been a regular for the Rams since bursting onto the scene, but hasn’t been quite as effective this term.
Sibley has only made eleven starts in League One and has only just forced his way back into the starting line-up after a spell on the bench.
The midfielder was previously linked with the likes of West Ham and Leeds United, but his future now is uncertain.
Joe Wildsmith
Joe Wildsmith joined Derby County on a free transfer in 2022.
The goalkeeper had been the Rams’ No.1 until he was dropped for Josh Vickers in the 3-1 win over Fleetwood Town last month.
However, he was brought back into the starting line-up to face Shrewsbury at the weekend.
Tom Barkhuizen
Tom Barkhuizen has 12 goals and eleven assists in 79 games for Derby County.
He played a key role during the festive period, netting four goals and providing three assists in only eight games.
The winger had started five league games in a row before he was dropped against Shrewsbury.
Liam Thompson
Liam Thompson joined Derby’s academy in 2015 before making his debut in 2021.
The midfielder has started only three games in the Championship, while he also spent around three months on the sidelines with a hamstring problem.
Conor Hourihane
Conor Hourihane has been very important to Derby’s success this term as captain. netting four goals and providing six assists.
The 33-year-old has recently discussed retirement in the near future, but he is expected to still be playing football next season.
Korey Smith
Korey Smith has been used in both defence and midfield since joining Derby County, but hasn’t featured for the club since November due to a knee injury.
The 33-year-old returned to the bench this month, though there has been no indication whether he will continue at Pride Park beyond this campaign.
Kwaku Oduroh
Kwaku Oduroh joined Derby County from Manchester City’s academy in 2022.
The 21-year-old spent the first half of the campaign on loan with Rochdale before returning to the Rams’ U21 side.
Paul Warne was said to have been monitoring Oduroh at Rochdale, though little has been said about his future.
James Collins
James Collins has been one of Derby County’s most important players this season, netting 13 goals in 31 games in League One.
The ‘fighter‘s’ future may be determined once the Rams know which league they will be playing in.
Craig Forsyth
Craig Forsyth had been an important player under Paul Warne until tearing his calf muscle at the start of the year.
The defender could potentially bring his eleven-year spell at Pride Park to an end this summer as he approaches his 35th birthday this month.
Martyn Waghorn
Martyn Waghorn only rejoined Derby County last summer, netting six goals before suffering back-to-back injuries that has kept him out since October.
It would be a huge surprise if the Rams were to offer him a new contract if they are promoted.
Darren Robinson
Darren Robinson joined the Rams from Dungannon Swifts in 2021 and was promoted to the first team this season, having been named on the bench eleven times in all competitions.
Aston Villa and Southampton were linked with the teenager before Christmas and I imagine Derby will be eager to keep hold of him.
Scott Loach
Scott Loach joined Derby in 2022 but his only three appearances have come in the Football League Trophy.
The 35-year-old is likely to leave Pride Park without making a league appearance this summer.