Derby County have completed their second summer signing, bringing in former Burnley defender Charlie Taylor on a free transfer.

The Rams announced the capture of the 32-year-old defender on Wednesday, with Taylor arriving on a one-season contract after his release from Southampton at the end of the 2025/26 campaign. Derby, sitting eighth in the Championship with 69 points from 46 games and a recent run of three straight losses, needed defensive cover after failing to agree new terms with Danny Batth.

Taylor, who can play at left-back or as a left-sided centre-half, spent last season on loan at West Bromwich Albion. He made 30 appearances in total for the Baggies, including 18 Championship starts. His arrival slots him alongside established centre-backs Matt Clarke, Dion Sanderson, Craig Forsyth and Sondre Løkberg as options in Paul Eustace’s squad. Derry Murtagh remains the first-choice left-back after coming through Leeds United’s academy before spells at Burnley and Southampton.

The 32-year-old brings Premier League pedigree to Pride Park, having racked up 169 top-flight appearances during seven years at Turf Moor, six of them in the Premier League. His move comes as Derby prepare for their opening pre-season friendly against Alfreton Town on Friday 17 July at 7pm.

What does Charlie Taylor bring to Derby County?

Taylor’s versatility is his biggest asset. He can slot in at left-back or as a left-sided centre-half, providing cover in two positions where Eustace has seen rotation this season. With 30 appearances for West Brom last term, he arrives with Championship experience and a physical presence that could help stabilise Derby’s backline.

His arrival also addresses the void left by Batth’s departure. The Rams tried to keep the defender but couldn’t agree terms, leaving a gap in the squad. Taylor’s arrival gives Eustace another senior option in defence, especially with Løkberg still settling in after his own move from Norway.

Why this signing matters now

With Derby chasing a top-six finish and sitting eight points off Coventry in the title race, every squad addition counts. Taylor’s arrival comes as the Rams prepare for their first pre-season test against Alfreton Town on Friday 17 July. The friendly will be the first real look at Eustace’s reshaped side, which has already added Bobby Clark earlier this summer.

The Rams have scored 67 goals but conceded 59 this season, leaving them with an eight-goal goal difference. Taylor’s experience in tight Championship games could prove crucial as Derby push for a playoff spot.

What happens next for Derby County?

Taylor will join up with the squad immediately for pre-season preparations. His first action could come against Alfreton Town, where his ability to play across the backline will be tested. Eustace will hope the defender’s Championship pedigree helps tighten up a defence that has shipped too many goals this term.

The Rams’ next league test comes after the summer friendlies, with Derby aiming to build on their eighth-place finish from last season. With Taylor in the mix, Eustace has another tool to rotate and rotate without sacrificing quality.

League standing: Derby County are eighth in the Championship, with 69 points from 46 games, 20 wins, nine draws and 17 losses, and a recent run of three straight defeats.