Derby County probably won’t go on a big summer transfer spending spree

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Derby County have had to take a more cautious approach in the transfer market over the past 12 months.

In theory, Derby County could be set for another summer spending spree – as the club comes to an end of the well-documented three-year Financial Fair Play cycle. In reality, this is unlikely.

Back in 2015 under former boss Paul Clement, Derby owner Mel Morris backed the club to the hilt. The Rams spent big in an attempt to win promotion back to the Premier League.

Both Jacob Butterfield and Bradley Johnson arrived for then club record fees, while Tom Ince’s loan spell was made permanent and players such as Jason Shackell and Andreas Weimann also joined for notable fees.

Nick Blackman and Abdoul Camara also joined in January 2016 in a bid to consolidate Derby’s position in the top two, but despite an outlay of more than £25 million, the East Midlands club fell short in the playoffs.

The subsequent arrival of Nigel Pearson was a disaster on the field, while the purchases of Ikechi Anya and Matej Vydra meant Derby were close to the line in terms of Financial Fair Play.

Current boss Gary Rowett was forced to sell both Ince and Will Hughes last summer in order to strengthen elsewhere, and such restrictions have made his job a tough one. Having said that, to Rowett’s credit, Derby do currently sit in the playoff spots and are in with a strong shout for promotion this season.

The current three-year Financial Fair Play cycle is coming to an end, however, meaning Derby will have more flexibility when it comes to the summer transfer window.

Morris, however, will be unlikely to spend big on new players (and the wages) – unless Derby can move on the likes of Chris Martin, Craig Bryson and Blackman this summer. The departure of these players will result in the introduction of some decent squad players, and maybe one established name / prospect.