Derby County have added Australian goalkeeper Nicholas Bilokapic to their squad following his departure from Premier League side Ipswich Town.
The 23-year-old has signed a one-year contract at Pride Park after his short spell at Portman Road was brought to an end by mutual consent.
Bilokapic joined Ipswich in February after leaving Peterborough United, but was not registered as part of their first-team squad. He instead trained with the senior group and made appearances for John McGreal’s Under-21 side in Premier League 2.
The goalkeeper was also involved in Gary O’Neil’s pre-season preparations and was named among the substitutes for a friendly against Wycombe Wanderers in August. However, he has now moved on without making a competitive senior appearance for the club.
Derby confirmed the goalkeeper’s arrival, explaining that he will provide further depth and experience to John Eustace’s squad despite his relatively young age.
Bilokapic began his career with Sydney United 58 before moving to England and joining Huddersfield Town’s academy in February 2020. His first taste of senior league football came during a loan spell with Hartlepool United, where he made two League Two appearances during the 2021/22 campaign.
He subsequently played six Championship matches for Huddersfield, working with current Derby head of goalkeeping Paul Clements during his time at the Yorkshire club.
A permanent transfer to Peterborough followed in July 2023. Bilokapic made 48 league appearances for Posh and 61 across all competitions before leaving the club in February 2026. He was part of the Peterborough squads which won the EFL Trophy in successive seasons.
At international level, the Camperdown-born goalkeeper has represented Australia at Under-17 and Under-23 level. He was also included in the country’s squad for the 2019 FIFA Under-17 World Cup.
Bilokapic will now join Clements’ first-team goalkeeping group at Moor Farm as he looks to compete for opportunities with the Rams.
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