John Eustace’s plans for out-of-contract Derby County star become clearer, there’s ‘interest’ from elsewhere

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Derby County had just two players out of contract at the end of the 2024/25 campaign.

The Rams’ retained list was released in the middle of May, with John Eustace already letting go of nine players and with five loan spots to fill, there is plenty of action on its way to Pride Park in the coming weeks and months.

Derby are waiting on investment, but CEO Stephen Pearce has already explained the club’s transfer policy as the East Midlands outfit prepare for their second successive season in the Championship.

Craig Forsyth reportedly signed a new two-year deal at the start of June, but questions remain about the future of Liam Thompson with the midfielder yet to put pen to paper on a new contract.

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Derby County want Liam Thompson to stay

The 23-year-old came through Derby’s academy, and made his debut in 2021 under the guidance of Wayne Rooney. Last season was his best in black-and-white, with Rams fans wanting Thompson to extend his stay and now EFL Analysis can exclusively reveal how talks are progressing.

Our Chief Football Correspondent, Graeme Bailey, told us: “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.’

“There’s real hope that Derby keep him. There is interest in him elsewhere, but they are hopeful.”

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Liam Thompson excelled under John Eustace’s guidance

After injuries saw Thompson struggle for momentum throughout Paul Warne’s time at Derby, Eustace brought the young midfielder back into the side on his arrival in February.

Playing alongside Ebou Adams and Harrison Armstrong, the Nottingham-born ace found his feet and he was a crucial cog in his head coach’s side as the Rams avoided relegation.

Derby twice played without Thompson in the starting XI in the latter stages of the season and on both occasions they clearly missed him.

While he perhaps does not have the physicality that you would expect from a player in his position, his tenacity and willingness to get the ball and play it forward makes him a true asset and the Rams must not lose him.