Derby County are lining up an offer to sign Danny Batth on a free transfer this summer, with head coach John Eustace keen to bring the veteran centre-back to Pride Park.
Batth, 34, is nearing the end of his contract at Blackburn Rovers, where he made 34 Championship starts during the 2024/25 season. Despite being offered a new deal at Ewood Park, there is growing uncertainty over whether he will commit to a further stay — and Derby are ready to capitalise.
According to journalist Alan Nixon, the Rams could put forward a more attractive package than Blackburn, potentially offering greater contract length or stability. Batth has signed three one-year deals in a row — at Norwich City, Sunderland, and most recently Blackburn — and a longer-term agreement may be key to persuading him to move once again.
Familiarity Leading To Interest
Eustace knows Batth well and is believed to view him as a dependable addition to solidify a defence that came under pressure during the latter stages of the campaign. Having steered Derby away from relegation danger after arriving in February, the former Birmingham City boss is aiming to build a more resilient squad capable of mid-table security or better in 2025/26.
Batth’s experience at this level is extensive. A product of Wolves’ academy, he went on to captain the club to the League One title in 2013–14 and made over 200 appearances at Molineux before spells with Middlesbrough, Stoke City, Sunderland, Norwich City, and now Blackburn. In total, he has over 400 senior games to his name, many in the second tier.
Blackburn finished the season just two points off the play-offs in seventh, but Batth’s future remains unresolved. With Eustace eager to add leadership and aerial presence to his back line, the opportunity to reunite could appeal to both parties — especially if Derby are prepared to offer a two-year deal.
While Batth only played once against Derby last season, he remains a highly respected figure across the Championship, and his availability on a free makes him an appealing target for a number of clubs.
Writer’s View
A move to Derby County could represent a smart final chapter in Danny Batth’s Championship career. For the Rams, the need for experienced leadership at the back is obvious, and Batth brings exactly that — a calm head, physical presence, and a deep understanding of the demands of the division.
Eustace’s familiarity with him is a key advantage, and if Derby can offer the longer-term security he’s lacked in recent years, they have a genuine chance of beating Blackburn to his signature. It may not be the flashiest signing, but it could prove one of the most reliable in what will be a competitive summer market.
