Derby bolster squad with trio of experienced signings as Eustace reshapes team for Championship return

Derby County have kicked off July with a trio of experienced signings, reuniting familiar faces and shoring up key positions ahead of the 2025–26 season. Forward Andreas Weimann, defender Danny Batth, and goalkeeper Richard O’Donnell have all penned one-year deals with the Rams, adding depth, leadership and Championship know-how to John Eustace’s squad.

Austria international Weimann, 33, returns to Pride Park for a second stint after previously making 88 appearances and scoring nine goals for Derby between 2015 and 2018. A versatile attacker with top-flight pedigree, Weimann started his career at Aston Villa and has since turned out for clubs including Watford, Wolves, Bristol City, West Bromwich Albion and most recently Blackburn Rovers.

The move marks a reunion with Rams boss John Eustace, who worked with Weimann during his brief spell in charge at Ewood Park before taking the reins at Derby in February. “Andi is someone I know well, and he brings both quality and character to the dressing room,” said Eustace. “He knows what it means to wear the Derby shirt.”

Joining Weimann is 34-year-old centre-back Danny Batth, another Eustace ally from his time at Blackburn. Batth brings a wealth of experience from over a decade in English football, including a promotion-winning campaign with Wolves in 2013–14. He has also featured for Stoke, Sunderland and Norwich, and played a key role in Sunderland’s League One play-off triumph in 2022.

Batth spent the 2023–24 season with Norwich before a short stint at Blackburn. Now, he arrives at Pride Park with a clear mission. “This is a massive club with a huge fanbase, and I’m here to help us compete at the top end of the table,” he said upon signing.

Completing the trio is seasoned shot-stopper Richard O’Donnell. The 35-year-old joins on a free transfer after leaving Blackpool and brings over 400 senior appearances across 14 clubs. With goalkeepers Widell Zetterstrom and Josh Vickers already in the squad, O’Donnell is expected to provide reliable cover and leadership.

“Richard’s experience is invaluable,” said Eustace. “He understands his role and will help push our young goalkeepers in training every day.”

The three additions bring Derby’s summer signings to four, following the arrival of striker Carlton Morris from Luton Town last week. The Rams also recently secured a two-year contract extension for long-serving defender Craig Forsyth, adding further stability at the back.

Having missed out on promotion last season, Derby are making calculated moves to build a squad that can challenge for a return to the Premier League. Eustace has been vocal about bringing in “winners and leaders,” and this latest batch fits that mould.

Supporters have welcomed the signings, praising the blend of familiarity, experience and hunger. Many remember Weimann fondly for his tireless work rate, while Batth is seen as a no-nonsense defender who can organise from the back. O’Donnell, meanwhile, is viewed as a steady hand in a pivotal backup role.

With pre-season now underway, Derby fans will be eager to see how the new faces settle in. A packed fixture list awaits, and the pressure to deliver is high. But with Eustace at the helm and key positions now strengthened, optimism is slowly building at Pride Park.

Whether this is the start of a promotion charge remains to be seen, but Derby County are certainly not standing still.