The January transfer window is rarely about wholesale change, particularly for clubs with a clear identity and direction.
For Derby County, this winter represents an opportunity to refine rather than reinvent, addressing specific needs while preserving the balance John Eustace has worked hard to establish.
With the second half of the Championship season often defined by fine margins, smart recruitment can be the difference between consolidation, progression, or genuine momentum.
Derby’s squad has shown resilience and organisation, but the demands of the league injuries, suspensions and fixture congestion inevitably expose areas where extra depth or variation could be valuable.
January is also a chance to think beyond the immediate, identifying players who could contribute both now and in future seasons, aligning with the club’s broader strategy.
Loans, calculated gambles and Championship-proven profiles tend to dominate successful winter windows. Players seeking minutes, stability or a fresh platform can often deliver immediate impact when motivation is high.
For Derby, the focus should be on physicality, intensity and adaptability traits that consistently translate well at this level.
With that in mind, here are five players who could realistically strengthen Derby County during the January 2026 transfer window, offering a blend of short-term solutions and longer-term upside without compromising the club’s core principles.
Derby County’s search for additional firepower could lead them to David Datro Fofana, a striker whose career has stalled slightly despite his obvious physical and technical attributes.
The Chelsea forward has spent recent seasons moving between loan spells, flashes of quality often undermined by a lack of continuity and rhythm. A move to Pride Park would offer him something he has not consistently had: trust and a defined role.
Fofana is a powerful runner who thrives when attacking space, particularly in transition.
He is comfortable leading the line on his own but also has the mobility to drift into wider areas, which would suit John Eustace’s preference for flexible, hard-working forwards.
At Championship level, his strength and pace would pose a genuine problem for defenders, especially in matches where Derby look to play quickly and directly.
While his finishing has been inconsistent, Fofana’s underlying profile remains attractive. He presses aggressively, occupies centre-backs and brings others into play — traits that often go unnoticed but are vital across a long Championship season.
A loan move, possibly with an option to buy, would allow Derby to assess whether he can turn potential into production, while offering Fofana the chance to rebuild confidence and momentum in a demanding but supportive environment.
Callum Lang represents a more understated but equally valuable attacking option.
A player who rarely draws headlines, Lang has quietly built a reputation as an effective, intelligent forward capable of contributing goals and work rate in equal measure.
His ability to operate across the front line — either from the left or centrally — would give Derby tactical flexibility during a congested run of fixtures.
Lang’s biggest strength is his movement. He times his runs well, attacks the box with intent and often finds himself in dangerous positions without needing the team built entirely around him.
This makes him an ideal fit for a structured side, where collective organisation is prioritised over individual flair. Defensively, he presses willingly and tracks back, aligning well with Eustace’s emphasis on intensity and discipline.
If Portsmouth were open to business in January, Lang would offer Derby a reliable Championship-level contributor rather than a gamble.
He may not transform games on his own, but across the second half of the season he could add consistency, depth and goals from wide or advanced positions. In a promotion race, those marginal gains often prove decisive.
George Bello would be a forward-thinking addition aimed as much at the future as the present.
The American left-back has already accumulated valuable experience both in MLS and European football, and his athleticism stands out immediately.
Quick, aggressive and comfortable pushing high up the pitch, Bello offers the profile of a modern full-back well suited to the Championship’s physical demands.
Derby have often relied on balance and structure in wide areas, but Bello would add a different dimension.
His willingness to overlap and deliver from advanced positions could help stretch compact defences, particularly in matches where Derby dominate possession but struggle to create clear chances.
Defensively, his recovery pace allows him to cope with transitions, a key requirement in England’s second tier.
A January move would likely be about long-term planning rather than an instant starting role. Bello is still developing and would benefit from a settled environment under a coach known for improving players.
For Derby, the appeal lies in securing a player with resale potential who could grow into a key contributor over time. It would be a calculated investment, blending immediate squad depth with future upside.
Joe Hugill remains one of the more intriguing young strikers available on loan, particularly for a club seeking physical presence and energy in the final third.
The Manchester United forward is a traditional centre-forward in many respects, built to compete with defenders and lead the line, yet he also possesses a sharp instinct inside the penalty area.
At youth level, Hugill has consistently demonstrated an ability to score from limited chances, often relying on anticipation rather than raw technique.
A Championship loan would represent a significant step up, but Derby could provide the ideal platform. Eustace’s teams are typically well-structured, which would allow Hugill to focus on his strengths rather than being overwhelmed by responsibility.
The appeal for Derby lies in variety. Hugill would offer a different option to existing forwards, particularly in matches that demand aerial presence, hold-up play and physical confrontation.
For United, a loan where he plays regularly against senior defenders would accelerate his development.
For Derby, it would be a low-risk way to add depth and unpredictability to their attacking options during the crucial second half of the season.
Crucially, none of these moves would require Derby to abandon their structure or long-term planning. Loans and sensible deals limit financial risk while still allowing the squad to evolve.
In a league where momentum can shift quickly, even one or two well-judged additions can have a disproportionate impact.
If Derby are to maximise the second half of the season, the emphasis should remain on clarity, cohesion and control.
January is not about chasing noise it is about making the right moves at the right time.
