Winners and losers from potential Lewis Travis transfer to Derby County, including academy star impact

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There are less than 60 days until the Championship kicks off for the 2025/26 season and Derby County fans will be nervously checking their phones for the notification of that first signing of the summer.

The Rams need incomings, but with the transfer window shut until June 16, supporters may have to be a little bit patient before they see that first new face in black-and-white.

Nevertheless, Derby are interested in Paudie O’Connor with the centre-back’s Lincoln City contract expiring on June 30, while Cody Drameh is wanted by John Eustace.

Yet a new link to a player that the Rams boss has an excellent relationship with is promising, following a report from Football League World that Derby are targeting Lewis Travis. Now, EFL Analysis have picked out two winners and two losers from the deal if he does move to Pride Park.

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Two winners and two losers as Derby County target Lewis Travis

Winner – Ebou Adams

The first of our winners is Ebou Adams, with the Derby captain coming off the back of an exceptional first full season in the East Midlands.

The midfielder played a crucial role in helping the Rams avoid relegation on the final day of the season, but there will be a desire to see him up his game further in 2025/26 and become a little bit more controlled – especially on the ball.

Travis could help him here, with the Blackburn man able to take some of the defensive load off of the hands of Adams, who will then be able to focus more on the game around him. The idea of the two together will be a worry for Derby’s Championship rivals.

Loser – Liam Thompson

While one Rams midfielder will benefit, Liam Thompson may have a tougher time if Travis joins the club and his minutes could be severely limited.

The tenacious 23-year-old is yet to sign a new deal with Derby, and the arrival of Blackburn’s captain may deter him from putting pen-to-paper as he will find himself further down the pecking order after his best season in black-and-white.

As an academy graduate supporters want to see Thompson stay at the club, but he will be thinking about his development and a new, more experienced player in his position may be enough for him to bid farewell.

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Winner – Kenzo Goudmijn

Staying in the centre of the park, Kenzo Goudmijn may just be one of the winners from Derby securing a deal with Blackburn for Travis, but in a way that is slightly different to Adams.

The Dutch 23-year-old had an awkward first year in England, and after a bright start, he found himself having to watch on from the bench under Eustace. However, a change in formation will benefit Goudmijn as it would allow him to get into a more advanced position.

By having that strong block behind him, the ex-AZ Alkmaar man would be given more freedom to take the ball forward and get into areas where he can shoot or play a dangerous pass – like he did in his very first weeks as a Ram.

Loser – Kamil Conteh

EFL Analysis reported on June 7 that Derby are closing in on a deal for Kamil Conteh following Bristol Rovers’ relegation to League Two.

However, the central midfielder will be hugely threatened by the potential arrival of Travis as both players play in a similar position.

At 22, it is clear that Conteh is being signed for the future and a loan out in the first season would be a good first step if he is not going to get enough minutes at Pride Park. However, he will question if there is a path into the first team if both deals go through.