Derby County are set to sign former Norwich City defender Shane Duffy on a free transfer as they attempt to ease a severe injury crisis.
The 34-year-old has been training with the Rams for two weeks and is signing a short-term contract, according to John Percy. The Republic of Ireland international would add considerable experience to a side struggling towards the foot of the Championship. Derby sit 23rd after 12 matches, with only Preston North End below them, and have collected just seven points.
Derby turn to an experienced defender
Duffy left Norwich at the end of his contract this summer, having spent three seasons at Carrow Road. He made 85 league appearances for the Canaries, scoring five times, after joining on a free transfer in 2023.
His longest spell came at Brighton & Hove Albion, where he helped the Seagulls win promotion to the Premier League in 2017. Duffy made 140 league appearances for the club and was named their player of the season for 2018/19, having formed a central defensive partnership with Lewis Dunk.
He began his professional career at Everton, gaining experience through loans at Burnley, Scunthorpe United and Yeovil Town before joining Blackburn Rovers in 2014. Later spells took him to Celtic and Fulham, while he has also earned more than 60 senior caps for the Republic of Ireland and represented his country at Euro 2016.
That gives Derby an option with experience of both Championship and Premier League football as they contend with their injury problems. Percy reports that the deal will be a short-term arrangement, although his update does not specify its length.
Rams eight points behind the Imps
Derby’s position underlines the need for an improvement, with just one victory, four draws and seven defeats from their opening 12 games. They have scored ten goals and conceded 21, leaving them four points behind Watford in the first position outside the relegation zone.
Their last six league matches have brought three draws and three defeats, with no win during that sequence. They were also beaten in the EFL Cup on the first Saturday of competitive football, as we won 2-1. Derby are a side to keep an eye on as the Championship table develops. City sit 15th on 15 points following the 4-1 win against Burnley, eight points clear of the Rams.
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