Derby County’s chances of keeping Jerry Yates revealed as Swansea City stance made clear

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.

Position	Team	Played	Won	Drawn	Lost	For	Against	Diff	Points
16	Portsmouth	46	14	12	20	58	71	-13	54
17	Oxford United	46	13	14	19	49	65	-16	53
18	Stoke City	46	12	15	19	45	62	-17	51
19	Derby	46	13	11	22	48	56	-8	50
20	Preston	46	10	20	16	48	59	-11	50
21	Hull City	46	12	13	21	44	54	-10	49
22	Luton	46	13	10	23	45	69	-24	49

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.