Derby County facing potential transfer exodus amidst club financial situation

Transfer fire sale looms at Derby County

Administration-stricken Derby County could be subject to a transfer fire sale in January should the Rams be unable to agree terms with a new owner/ownership group before the opening of the winter window.

According to the Derby Telegraph, “Derby County are set to appoint an advisor to the club’s administrators as the search for a new buyer continues, according to reports. It is claimed by the Sun that Paul Aldridge, who has previously worked for West Ham, Sheffield Wednesday, Bolton Wanderers and French side Marseille, is set to join as an advisor.”

The new outlet also claimed that “Derby’s administrators are hoping to find a new owner before the start of the January transfer window, however, if that is not the case, then it is claimed that Aldridge will be tasked to help should player sales be needed during the winter window. It is reported that he will be appointed to also advise Quantuma in their search for a buyer for the club after the Rams were put into administration by owner Mel Morris last month.”

Attentions are already turning towards January …… https://t.co/lSSfzji4Uk

— Mirror Football (@MirrorFootball) October 5, 2021

This report is corroborated by The Mirror, who are reporting that administrators have admitted openly that the club may look to sell key players in January. The admission was “delivered by acting administrator Carl Jackson, who attended a Supporters Charter Group Meeting on Monday night.”

Three key players could be sold to offset financial strife

Transfer business conducted by Derby over the summer was a key indication that the club was no closer to resolving its current situation months before.

The Rams signed five players on free deals – including former Manchester United prodigy Ravel Morrison – while promoting five players from the club’s U23 set-up.

Derby County’s Tom Lawrence celebrates scoring against Luton Town at the end of the game during the Sky Bet Championship match at Pride Park Derby County v Luton Town – Sky Bet Championship – Pride Park 05-10-2019 . (Photo by Barrington Coombs/EMPICS/PA Images via Getty Images)

But with the growing need to receive immediate cash into the club coffers, the likes of club captain Tom Lawrence (£3.5million), young midfielder Jason Knight (£5million), and 20-year-old left-back Lee Buchanan (£2million) could be on the departures list. note: values provided by Transfermarkt

Other noteworthy options under boss Wayne Rooney that could be sold on include Max Bird, Louie Sibley, and Kamil Jóźwiak.