Derby County have agreed a deal to sign striker Kayden Jackson on the expiry of his Ipswich Town contract, according to Sky Sports.
30-year-old Jackson played 33 times in all competitions last season as the Tractor Boys secured their second promotion in as many seasons, confirming their return to the Premier League for the first time since 2002.
The previous season, Jackson scored four times in 48 games as the Suffolk outfit gained promotion from League One after four seasons in the third tier.
Before his time at Ipswich, Jackson started his career at Swindon Town, before going on to permanent spells at Tamworth, Wrexham, Barnsley and Accrington Stanley. Jackson was the first £1 million sale for the latter, with ex-manager Paul Hurst splashing out big money on the striker after helping Accrington to the League Two title in 2018.
Across his EFL career he has amassed 40 goals in 217 games, but Jackson provides much more than just a scoring threat to teams, making him a smart signing for Derby.
The Bradford-born player is Derby’s second signing of the summer as they approach their first Championship season since 2022, with former Peterborough United winger Corey Blackett-Taylor joining permanently after a loan during the second half of the 2023-24 season.
The Rams have reportedly agreed a three-year deal for Jackson, who has seen his role in the Ipswich team decrease over the past season. A move back to the Championship is wise for the forward, with Derby looking to add to their squad as they return to the second tier.
Writer’s View
This is a wise move from both Jackson and Derby. The player was never going to be a key part of Ipswich’s Premier League plans, so a release was the best option to allow Jackson to thrive. This is likely going to be in the second tier in a Derby side who need to make additions going into the new season. Adding an experienced Jackson to their ranks will certainly help their cause.
