Four exits confirmed by Derby County F.C. as Rams open negotiations with key defender

Derby County F.C. have officially confirmed their retained list ahead of a major summer rebuild, with four senior players set to leave Pride Park while negotiations continue with experienced defender Danny Batth over a possible new contract.

The Rams announced on Friday that Callum Elder, Ben Osborn, Jake Rooney and Andi Weimann will all depart the club following the expiration of their current deals.

Elder’s exit brings an end to a three-year spell at Derby, during which he played a role in the club’s promotion-winning campaign under former manager Paul Warne in 2023/24.

The Australian full-back spent the latter part of last season on loan at Boston United F.C., where he became a popular figure under manager Paul Hurst after impressing in the National League.

Meanwhile, Derby remain in discussions with Batth over a potential 12-month extension that would keep the experienced centre-back at Pride Park for another season.

In an official club statement, Derby said: “Four senior members of John Eustace’s squad are to be released following the expiry of their contracts at Pride Park – Callum Elder, Ben Osborn, Jake Rooney and Andi Weimann.”

The statement also confirmed that Richard O’Donnell, Josh Vickers and Joe Ward have already committed their futures to the club after signing new deals during the 2025/26 campaign.

Derby also welcomed back several loanees ahead of pre-season preparations, including Corey Blackett-Taylor, Dajaune Brown, Kenzo Goudmijn and Ryan Nyambe.

The retained first-team group includes notable names such as Rhian Brewster, Matt Clarke, Craig Forsyth, Carlton Morrisand Lewis Travis as Derby prepare for what is expected to be a busy transfer window under Eustace.