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It’s about to get very exciting for Derby County fans.
The Rams are closing in on their first signings of the summer, with Carlton Morris set for a medical, while Andreas Weimann and Danny Batth have both agreed deals.
However, despite the influx of new additions who are about to walk through the door at Pride Park, John Eustace knows all too well that he is still lacking in one key position – out on the wing.
After Nathaniel Mendez-Laing joined MK Dons and Tom Barkhuizen left as a free agent, Derby have been depleted on the flanks. They do have two choices in Kayden Jackson and Corey Blackett-Taylor, but for the latter there is one issue that he must get on top of this season.
- READ MORE – Andreas Weimann had ‘promotion’ plans with Derby County in 2015, he may have a different goal in 2025
Corey Blackett-Taylor has to get on top of his fitness problems at Derby County
Since his arrival in the East Midlands in January 2024, Blackett-Taylor has caused excitement but has not often been able to show off his true quality on the left wing.
The 27-year-old left Charlton Athletic for the Rams originally on loan before the deal was made permanent 12 months ago following promotion, but he played just 12 Championship games last season as Derby narrowly avoided relegation.
The ex-Tranmere Rovers ace scored just one goal during those appearances, with his sole strike coming against Norwich City in a 3-2 defeat at Pride Park in September.
Blackett-Taylor’s season came to a premature end at the start of 2025 as he came off the pitch against Cardiff City with a hamstring problem, and he only returned to the bench as an unused sub in the final two games of the campaign.
- READ MORE – John Eustace knows what to expect from Carlton Morris at Derby County, they’ve crossed paths before
John Eustace is keen to bring in Tyrhys Dolan
Darren Witcoop reported over the weekend that Derby are showing an interest in Tyrhys Dolan, and a move for the winger just makes sense this summer.
The Rams lack that quality on the flanks, and the 23-year-old can provide a threat from either side of the pitch – something that will worry Blackett-Taylor if an approach is made.
He scored seven goals and registered six assists in 44 Championship games last season, and Eustace knows how to get the very best out of him.
Competition is very much needed at Derby this season, but a move for Dolan would leave question marks over both Blackett-Taylor’s and Jackson’s futures at Pride Park.