EXCLUSIVE: Derby County’s Chances Of keeping Jerry Yates Revealed As Swansea Stance Made clear- Fans Deserve Better After Swansea’s Latest Decision
Derby County’s chances of keeping Jerry Yates revealed as Swansea City stance made clear
Derby County have been in desperate need of a consistent number nine for the last two years, and this summer transfer window must be the time that they finally find one. Now, in an EFL Analysis exclusive, we can reveal whether Jerry Yates will be that man.
It’s been an excellent last couple of months for the Rams, with John Eustace finding a system that was able to source results after a dismal run under Paul Warne over the winter.
Safety was secured thanks to a final day 0-0 draw against Stoke City at Pride Park, but it could have been a perfect ending to the campaign had Jerry Yates been able to find the back of the net from close range in the dying moments.
Viktor Johansson was able to claw one close-range effort from goal, before the striker’s second shot cannoned off the crossbar with the much-loved Nat Phillips joining his teammate in being denied by the woodwork. However, less than two weeks later, there is debate as to where Yates’ next home will be.
Derby County may look elsewhere for a new striker as Jerry Yates’ Swansea City exit nears
Now that the season is over, the 28-year-old will return to Swansea City, his parent club. He was vital for the Rams over the course of the season – playing in all but four league matches.
However, EFL Analysis can exclusively reveal that a return to Derby seems unlikely at this moment in time, but our resident transfer expert Graeme Bailey has provided inside information to say that a deal is still not 100% off the cards.
Nevertheless, the former Blackpool ace’s time in South Wales does look as though it is coming to an end and it is highly likely that he will be moved on by Alan Sheehan once the transfer window opens.
As per Pete O’Rourke, Blackburn Rovers, Hull City and QPR are all showing an interest in the out-of-favour Swansea forward while there are also two MLS sides tracking his movements and the Rams are not looking to join that battle for now.
John Eustace needs to find a younger replacement for Jerry Yates
The Rams did sign Norwegian striker Lars-Jorgen Salvesen in the January transfer window, but he has been out of action for the last few months with a knee injury and there was a lot of pressure on Yates to remain fit.
However, finding a number nine who will score goals consistently, can operate in a two and will also remain fit is the key to Derby’s success next season.
Therefore, Eustace has an incredible task alongside his recruitment team in getting that striker who can be relied upon week-in-week-out, but one who also has pedigree at this level or a division similar to the Championship.
The Rams will not be the only club in the second tier looking for a new striker, with Ipswich Town likely to lose Liam Delap, but as their transfer plans become clearer, excitement will start to build ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
