Derby County are exploring a move for Blackburn Rovers right-back Callum Brittain as John Eustace looks to strengthen his squad this summer.
The 27-year-old is entering the final year of his contract, and the Rams are hoping to capitalise as contract talks at Ewood Park remain unresolved.
Derby County Eye Reunion With Experienced Championship Defender
Eustace is targeting a reunion with Brittain, having previously managed him during his brief tenure at Blackburn Rovers. The full-back was a regular fixture under the now-Derby boss, making 30 starts in the Championship last season as Rovers narrowly missed out on the play-offs by two points.
Brittain’s pedigree at this level is clear. He first emerged from the Milton Keynes Dons academy, where he made over 100 senior appearances, and earned recognition as EFL Young Player of the Month during the 2017/18 campaign. His performances there earned him a move to Barnsley in 2020, and in his first season at Oakwell he was a key part of the side that reached the Championship play-offs.
Following Barnsley’s relegation in 2022, Brittain moved to Blackburn and has been a consistent performer since. He has also been capped at England U20 level, providing three assists during fixtures against Italy and the Czech Republic.
Now Derby are hoping to convince Brittain to step away from a top-half Championship side and join a team that narrowly avoided relegation last season. The Rams only stayed up on the final day, finishing a point above the drop zone, and Eustace is eager to bring in reliable, experienced players to avoid another survival scrap.
Brittain, with nearly 200 appearances in the EFL and a track record of consistent performances on the right flank, would offer stability and leadership at Pride Park. His pace, work rate, and delivery from wide areas make him an asset in both defensive and attacking phases, qualities Eustace knows well from their previous working relationship.
As it stands, Blackburn remain open to agreeing a new deal, but the lack of progress in talks leaves the door open for Derby to make their move. Whether they can convince Brittain to drop into a lower-pressure but riskier environment remains to be seen.
Writer’s View
This would be a smart bit of business for Derby County. Callum Brittain offers proven Championship quality and tactical familiarity with Jon Eustace, which could fast-track his integration into the side.
While some may question why a player of Brittain’s calibre would consider a move to a team that narrowly escaped relegation, the presence of Eustace—and the chance to be a key figure in a rebuild—might prove persuasive. If Derby can get this one done, it would mark a significant upgrade at right-back and send a message about their intent for the 2025/26 campaign.
