This season was supposed to be the one when the Rams pushed for promotion. When Eustace took over in February 2025, Derby were fourth-from-bottom in the Championship and questions were asked why he swapped a promotion challenge with Blackburn, who were fifth, for a relegation scrap. Internal difficulties and restrictions at Ewood Park played a part but Eustace was sold a long-term plan which was survival, consolidation and then challenging for a top-flight return. Yet this term's promotion assault was significantly hindered when Alalshikh pulled out of his planned takeover an hour before the deal was due to be completed in August, leaving Derby scrambling after a summer of work. The collapse blindsided the club and transfer plans were affected despite owner David Clowes remaining committed to bankrolling the Rams. Derby chief executive Stephen Pearce has denied the summer disruption impacted recruitment but it is undeniable plans suffered.
From a transfer perspective we hadn't lost anything we wanted to do,
Source: BBC Sport Football · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing