Derby County have solved one big issue but they still have eight more
by Brian Dick · Derbyshire LiveDerby County have used the international break to tend to some important housekeeping by securing the services of defender Curtis Nelson.
The 31-year-old, who was due to be out of contract at the end of the season, has signed a deal that will keep him at Pride Park until at least the summer of 2026.
Nelson has been a key part of everything Paul Warne has done since coming to the club, playing in every league game, be it Championship or League One, and proving he still has plenty left in the tank after become a free agent in 2023.
However, while Nelson continues to impress either in a back three or back four, there’s still some decisions to be made in the coming months, with eight players due to be out of contract at the end of the campaign – and the prospect of January coming when clubs from other Football Associations can open talks.
We run through the remaining players and predict whether they will emulate Nelson, or see their deals expire.
Tom Barkhuizen
The winger has made just one Championship start this season after again being blighted by injury. He began 19 games in League One and it was something of a surprise to see him stay this summer. If he doesn’t leave in January he almost certainly will in May.
Liam Thompson
Having recovered from a groin injury that cost him several weeks, the 22-year-old has come into the XI in the last two matches and really forced himself into Paul Warne’s thinking. The academy product clearly has a high ceiling and it’d be a major surprise not to see him given fresh terms.
Conor Washington
It just hasn’t worked out for the striker who has made the bench just twice this season. His first season was ruined by injury, his second is being stymied by the lack of opportunity. Another who could go in January.
James Collins
Unlike Washington, Collins had a really good promotion campaign and with 19 goals earned his new one-year deal. This season has been tougher though, and one start and eight appearances off the bench have made it difficult for him to open his account. He’ll be 34 soon and ripe for a parting of the ways. Don't bank on him not scoring some crucial goals before then, though.
Rohan Luthra
Released by Cardiff at the end of last season, the goalkeeper was signed as depth. He’s made the bench twice but Josh Vickers is clear back up to Jacob Widell Zetterström. A desire to play team football might necessitate another move.
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Sonny Bradley
Has now fallen behind Nelson, Nat Phillips and Eiran Cashin in the pecking order after a couple of starts in August. At 33, he too could well be in the final few months of his time at Pride Park.
Craig Forsyth
Injury to Callum Elder opened the door for the 35-year-old to start against Plymouth. Indeed the veteran is still doing a valuable job for Warne and after 355 games for the club, when the end does come it will be tough for everyone. This will be a close call and a two way conversation depending on what the defender wants to do and whether a mutually satisfactory role can be agreed.
Kane Wilson
The right back/wing back was a star for Forest Green in League Two but he hasn’t nailed down his place with the Rams this season. Ryan Nyambe’s injury has opened the door for him to stake a claim for the future though. At just 24-years-old it would be slightly premature just to cash-out in the summer.