Update emerges on Derby County midfielder’s future amid growing transfer interest..
Derby County remain hopeful of securing Liam Thompson on a new deal amid interest from elsewhere, Graeme Bailey has said.
Derby County are heading for an important summer transfer window as they look to back John Eustace with signings of his own. DCFC were led to safety by the former Blackburn Rovers boss and have visions of pushing further up the league now.
The Rams were able to make a handful of free transfer signings to bolster Eustace’s ranks shortly after his arrival. Kemar Roofe, Jeff Hendrick and Erik Pieters were signed, but none played prevalent roles and have since been released by the club.
DCFC – Derby County stadium Pride Park
Image courtesy of: PETER CZIBORRA/REUTERS.
The focus has since turned to summer transfer targets and the players Eustace wants to stay at Pride Park.
Derby County academy graduate Liam Thompson is among the latter, but his deal is expiring at the end of this month and remains unsigned. Now, speaking to EFL Analysis, Graeme Bailey has offered a fresh update.
Bailey says there is confidence that DCFC midfielder Thompson remains at the club, but a decision is not yet made and interest from elsewhere is emerging. He said:
“Eustace wants him to stay. There is a confidence around the club that he will.
“With John Eustace, I think a lot of players are buying into the project that he’s selling. And it’s an easy sell for him, isn’t it? He can say, ‘Look, I dropped down the league to Derby. So, you come on the journey with me.’
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“There’s real hope that Derby keep him. There is interest in him elsewhere, but they are hopeful.”
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Thompson’s prevalent role under Eustace
Now aged 23, midfielder Thompson has played 106 times for the Derby County first-team since coming through the academy.
Towards the tail end of the 2024/25 campaign, the Rams ace played some of the best football of his career. He formed a fine midfield trio with captain Ebou Adams and loan star Harrison Armstrong, starting nine of the last 11 Championship games.
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coventry city and derby county players ben sheaf and ebou adams
Image courtesy of: PETER CZIBORRA/REUTERS.
His attributes made him well-suited to a balanced DCFC midfield under Eustace and at his age, Thompson could yet develop into a valuable asset for the club if he maintains such a role under the boss.
Derby County looking to kick on
Derby County clearly have some eye-catching goals for the future as they continue their journey back from the brink. The fact they were able to land Eustace from play-off chasing Blackburn Rovers proved as much, even when considering the move back to the Midlands was a one that fit well with the boss’ personal life.
Nonetheless, while there are some eye-catching targets this window, keeping academy graduates like Thompson will prove smart.
The hard-working midfielder is a popular figure and a talented player. He could develop well under Eustace and keeping him onboard will help maintain the core group of players that played an influential role in survival.
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DCFC can build on that foundation and progress up the Championship table, but ultimately, the proof will be in the pudding with regard to their goals for next season and beyond.
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