A Derby County academy graduate is now ‘likely’ to return to the EFL this summer.
Derby County have enjoyed some great success within their academy over the years, with the likes of Tom Huddlestone, Will Hughes and Morgan Whittaker all coming up through the ranks.
The Rams have lost another academy star in Max Bird this summer, after joining Bristol City and bringing an end to his 14-year stint at Pride Park.
One former player is now available on a free transfer after he was released by a Premier League club, while it is expected that he will return to the EFL.
Jeff Hendrick could return to the EFL
According to The Athletic, Jeff Hendrick is ‘likely’ to move to the EFL after he was let go by Newcastle United.
The midfielder joined Derby’s academy in 2008 and went onto spend five years in the senior team, missing out on promotion twice before joining Burnley in a £10.5 million deal.
Hendrick went onto sign for Newcastle in 2020 but struggled to make an impact and has since been sent to the Championship on loan three times.
His most recent spell saw him manage only one appearance for Sheffield Wednesday in the final five months of the campaign, before becoming a free agent this summer.
After making 262 appearances in the Championship, Hendrick could now return to the second tier.
Should Derby County consider a reunion?
With Derby winning promotion and also parting ways with Ebou Adams, Korey Smith and Conor Hourihane, the Rams could very easily strengthen their midfield if they chose to reunite with the 32-year-old.
However, his recent struggles at Hillsborough may suggest he isn’t quite at the level needed to compete in the Championship.
Bringing him back to Pride Park as a squad player could be a good move for Paul Warne, though there is likely to be plenty of interested clubs.