Derby County's attempts to sign Liam Millar and Patrick Roberts this summer collapsed due to financial hurdles, leaving the club to rely on alternative signings. The Rams were pursuing Millar on loan from Hull City and Roberts from Birmingham City, but both players ended up at St. Andrew's.
John Eustace confirmed the club's interest, saying he "was chasing the loan signing of Liam Millar from Hull City." Millar, however, opted to join Championship rivals Birmingham City, where he has since locked down a starting role on the left. The Canadian winger has contributed one goal and three assists in four league appearances, including two assists in Birmingham's 2-1 win over Derby in September.
Why the deals fell through
Patrick Roberts' high wages proved a major stumbling block for Derby. A separate, failed investment deal at the club also moved the goalposts, damaging their ability to secure several targets. Roberts, a former Manchester City and Sunderland player who was also of interest to Tony Mowbray at Blackburn Rovers, ultimately stayed at Birmingham. He has provided two assists in his five outings this season.
Derby's alternative signings
With those deals off, Derby secured late attacking additions. Mohammed Fuseini, who can operate across the front three, scored a fine 93rd-minute equaliser in the last game against Burnley. Ryan Hedges was initially seen as a depth signing, but injuries have given him a more prominent role early on. The club needs regular output from these players to justify the missed opportunities.
Derby County's current league position shows the challenge. They sit 22nd in the Championship with just five points from eight games, having scored seven and conceded fourteen. Their recent form has been poor, with just one win in their last five matches, and they have failed to score in three of those five games. The full squad list and current injury situation are also available on our squad and injuries pages as the team looks to climb the standings.
Derby's struggles are further highlighted by their goal difference of minus seven and the fact they have conceded fourteen goals in just eight matches. The club's inability to secure their primary targets like Millar and Roberts, who have combined for one goal and five assists this season, is seen as a key factor in their difficult start.
Background and full detail: BBC Sport
