Derby have to make a move for Davis Keillor-Dunn
Davis Keillor-Dunn was spectacular for Barnsley in the 2024/25 League One season, scoring 18 goals for the Tykes as they finished 12th.
The attacking midfielder also registered seven assists in 45 games after making the move from Mansfield Town to Oakwell last summer, with his ex-manager Darrell Clarke describing him as the club’s ‘best natural finisher’, as per the Barnsley Chronicle.
Derby must make a move for the 27-year-old following his success in South Yorkshire, and he would slot in behind Carlton Morris excellently, as Eustace may revert back to a 4-2-3-1 – a formation that served him well at both Blackburn and Birmingham City.
The Rams lacked goals from open play throughout last season, and bringing in players who can provide those is crucial if they are to move up into mid-table in the new campaign.
Davis Keillor-Dunn will want Championship football soon
Keillor-Dunn turns 28 in November, and while he is just entering his prime, he will have already realised the fact that he has not yet played in the Championship, with the majority of his career coming in League Two.
Derby can play on this potential desire to move on, especially with Barnsley’s lack of consistency last season, the challenge of the second tier will definitely be a huge pull.
Eustace himself also has pulling power, and Keillor-Dunn would benefit greatly from playing under him. The Rams’ head coach has the ability to get the most out of players, and with a free role behind the striker, he would be an excellent addition at Pride Park.
John Eustace has just under a month until he’s back in a dugout once again, as Derby County prepare for their first pre-season game of 2025/26.
A trip to local non-league side Matlock Town awaits the Rams, but they are yet to make a signing in the summer transfer window and supporters are poised and ready to welcome the first new face to Pride Park.
Reading look to have won the race for Paudie O’Connor, and while Derby will be disappointed to miss out on the centre-back, Eustace will want to be reunited with Nat Phillips after his excellent loan spell in 2024/25.
However, the defence is not the only area of the pitch that the Rams are looking to recruit for, as Derby look to sign Lewis Travis. But there is one issue that the head coach will have to deal with if the Blackburn Rovers midfielder joins.
John Eustace may have to decide who Derby County’s captain will be if Lewis Travis joins
Wrexham joined the Rams in the race for Travis, but the Red Dragons look to have pulled out of the battle and the 27-year-old has a huge decision to make as to whether he reunites with his former manager or not.
