An interesting transfer window beckons for Derby County. Shocking many as John Eustace’s side made a late surge for the final Championship play-off spot, some key outgoings are likely at Pride Park, leaving the club with a difficult summer to navigate.
On loan from Crystal Palace, David Ozoh was particularly impressive in the middle of the park for Derby. The 21-year-old is now set to return to his parent club, and it would be surprising if he were not involved in the Palace first team next season – but Derby may have already identified his replacement.
According to reports from Alan Nixon, the Rams are keen to open talks with Oxford United’s Brian De Keersmaecker, who was recently relegated from the Championship, having been one of the U’s standout performers since joining in July 2025.
Derby County to Open Talks With De Keersmaecker
The midfielder made the switch to England last summer, joining Oxford United from Dutch side Heracles. Despite a relatively disappointing campaign at the Kassam, he was comfortably one of the club’s standout performers this season.
Registering one goal and five assists in 28 appearances, his journey in English football looks set to continue, as there is no doubt the Belgian will not be short of second-tier suitors.
And Derby County have emerged at the front of the queue. The club is now certain to be competing in the second tier next season, and they are eyeing a potential bargain move for De Keersmaecker.
The report suggests that a move could take place soon, as the Rams are keen to enter talks with the respective clubs now, a division apart.
Is This A Good Move For Derby County?
While Oxford have endured a dismal campaign, performances were not always necessarily bad. Often under Rowett and Bloomfield’s lead, the U’s found themselves on the wrong end of narrow scorelines and were largely punished by individual moments at both ends of the pitch.
A number of their assets are still more than capable of playing in the Championship next season, and none more so than Brian De Keersmaecker.
Capable of operating as either a #6 or #8, he is regarded for his aggressive defensive play and ability to dictate and create from deep.
Quite a dynamic midfielder at the level, there is every chance that his play steps up a level in both a better side and in his second season of English football.
And given Ozoh’s departure, this would be a more than fitting replacement. The Belgian midfielder will only get better at the level, and has every chance of being a brilliant signing for both the long-term and short-term at Pride Park.
What Does This Mean for Oxford United?
Oxford United’s relegation was disappointing, as the squad ultimately lacked the proper quality to win games at the level, despite most matches being decided by a single goal.
However, the club does seem well-placed to immediately challenge at the sharp end of League One. Despite their smaller stature as a club, they are the most stable and well-run of the relegated three in the Championship, and still possess several players who have impressed at League One level.
Losing De Keersmaecker will be a hit, but also a large testament to the club’s shrewd recruitment over the years. In fact, the club may have a ready-made replacement in Jamie McDonnell, who joined the club in January amid a stunning half-season stint in League One with Mansfield Town.
