Coventry City, Oxford United and Derby County keen on free agent defender, report claims
Coventry City, Oxford United and Derby County are interested in former Preston North End defender Patrick Bauer, according to SportsBoom.
Coventry City, Oxford United and Derby County face another season in the Championship. After a mixture of campaigns, the three clubs will be looking to add in key positions to take the next step in 2025/26.
The Sky Blues have recently signed defender Kaine Kesler-Hayden and left-back Miguel Angel Brau from Granada as they look to improve their deference and make the Premier League for the first time since 2001.
Oxford United enjoyed an impressive first season in the second tier, finishing four points from safety. The U’s team have acted quickly to improve their defensive areas but after conceding 65 goals last season, it is likely they will want to add experience in defensive positions.
As for Derby County, they have acted quickly in the summer transfer window with the arrival of five players. Experienced defender Danny Batth reunited with John Eustace after recently leaving Blackburn Rovers.
Now, it is claimed by SportsBoom that all three clubs are keen on Patrick Bauer.
The German is a free agent after his Preston North End exit, so Coventry City, Oxford United or Derby County could sign him for nothing.
Who is Patrick Bauer?
Bauer, 32, has been a free agent since June having previously being at Preston North End. A player with plenty of experience, he can play in either a back three or four as a central defender.
The rumoured Coventry City, Oxford United and Derby County target was a fans favourite during his time in Lancashire, making 105 appearances during his time at Deepdale.
Bauer was a regular for North End until the arrival of Ryan Lowe in 2021. The defender went on to only make 12 appearances from 2022/23 to 2024/25.
Bauer has also represented Germany at youth level, also boasting EFL experience with Charlton Athletic, making 124 appearances.
Coventry City, Oxford United and Derby County still eyeing new signings
Bauer has played across Europe during his 15-year career, so moving location isn’t an issue for him.
Derby County boss Eustace has stated he would still like to make more signings ahead of the start of the season – ideally “five or six”, something that will please the ex Stuttgart defender.
Gary Rowett has also stressed the need to sign more players at Oxford United too, telling the Oxford Mail that they “need all the bodies we can get.”
