Derby County are believed to be in the hunt for Spanish right-back Pol Valentín, with the 28-year-old set to become a free agent this summer.
Valentín joined Wednesday from Sporting Gijón in the summer of 2023 and quickly earned admiration among teammates and supporters alike. His energy, work rate and attacking threat from full-back made him a popular figure during his two-year stint in South Yorkshire.
Championship Competition
With Preston North End also monitoring the situation, Derby face competition for the former Valencia B and CF Fuenlabrada man, who has indicated a desire to stay in the Championship if possible. Early indications suggest Preston may currently lead the race, but Derby’s ambitions and stature could make them a tempting option.
Valentín began his senior career in Spain with Figueres before spells at Gimnàstic de Tarragona, Valencia CF’s B team, Fuenlabrada, and Sporting Gijón. He made his professional debut in the Segunda División in 2018 and has been a consistent performer in the second tier of both Spanish and English football.
His move to Sheffield Wednesday was one of the final pieces of business under former manager Xisco Muñoz. Valentín opened his Owls account with a goal against Grimsby Town in August 2024 and featured heavily in their ultimately unsuccessful bid to retain their Championship status.
As a free agent, he represents a valuable opportunity for Derby to strengthen their defensive options without incurring a transfer fee. Having narrowly missed out on the play-offs this season, John Eustace is expected to target experienced additions as the club looks to mount a more sustained promotion push in 2025/26.
Writer’s View
Pol Valentín fits the mould of a modern full-back and would be a smart pickup for Derby, especially given his Championship experience and attacking attributes. With several clubs vying for his signature, Derby must act decisively—but the appeal of joining a side with serious promotion ambitions could prove pivotal.
If Eustace can secure his signature, it would signal clear intent as the Rams prepare to take the next step in their rebuild. Free transfers with proven pedigree don’t come along often—this is one Derby should prioritise.
