The reason behind Derby County’s Danny Batth interest becomes clearer, he will be vital for John Eustace

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After missing out on Nat Phillips, Derby County are looking elsewhere for a new centre-back this summer.

West Bromwich Albion agreed a deal with Liverpool for the defender earlier in the week, and while the Rams were interested in Phillips, they have a different target in mind.

It was reported by John Percy on Saturday that John Eustace is close to reuniting with Danny Batth, as well as forward Andreas Weimann, with the two veteran players set to depart Blackburn Rovers at the end of their contracts.

Adding more experience to the back line will benefit Derby, and their head coach revealed in a fans’ forum on Tuesday why it is necessary to bring in cover at centre-back.

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Danny Batth will be vital for Derby County in the opening weeks of the season

John Eustace wants supporters to be behind the team from the off next season, and they will need that added help with some injuries from 2024/25 carrying over into the new campaign.

Centre-backs Curtis Nelson and Sondre Langas will both miss the opening weeks at the very least, with the latter having gone through knee surgery at the start of the summer following an injury he picked up just weeks into his Derby career.

Therefore, the addition of Batth is crucial to give the Rams enough cover in that position and after his excellent season at Blackburn, he will be coming to Pride Park full of confidence.

Langas will hopefully be back relatively quickly, but having someone who has the capability to fit into the team with ease until then is vital to allow Eustace a strong start to the campaign.

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Danny Batth’s age should not be a concern

At the age of 34 there is no denying that Batth is in the latter stages of his career and his expected move to Derby could be his last transfer. However, he has got back to his best in the last couple of years and he will be very effective.

He played 37 of Rovers’ 46 Championship games last season and was arguably their player of the season as they narrowly missed out on a top six finish.

Eustace knows exactly what he is getting out of Batth, and the former Wolverhampton Wanderers defender has experience throughout the division that will prove crucial.

With Matt Clarke locked down until 2028 and Langas coming back to full fitness, there can be no denying that Derby are going to be a force at the back next season.