Over the past 20 years, Derby County’s journey has been full of highs and lows, with the club moving between the Championship, Premier League, and League One. After securing promotion from League One in 2023/24—their first since 2007—the Rams are now fighting for survival in the Championship, a division that has felt like home for much of the 21st century. As the January transfer window approaches, fans are hopeful that the club can replicate some of their past successful signings, particularly in terms of bolstering the attack.

Here are six of Derby’s best signings in the last two decades and the lasting impact they had:

Matej Vydra
Signed in 2016 for £8m from Watford, Vydra struggled initially but enjoyed a breakout season in 2017/18, scoring 21 goals in 40 league games and winning the Championship Golden Boot. His performances were a key part of Derby’s play-off push, and he left for Burnley in 2018, giving the club a healthy profit.

Craig Bryson
A bargain at £350,000 from Kilmarnock in 2011, Bryson became a Derby legend. Known for his tireless work ethic and vital contributions, including a memorable hat-trick against Forest in 2014, Bryson played over 270 games for the club and was integral during the Steve McClaren era, despite failing to achieve promotion.

Kris Commons
Commons made the controversial switch from Nottingham Forest to Derby in 2008 and quickly became a key player. Known for his skill and knack for scoring crucial goals, he was a fan favorite, especially for his strike against Manchester United in the 2008/09 League Cup semi-final. He left for Celtic in 2011, but his time at Derby is still fondly remembered.

Chris Martin
Martin was signed on loan from Norwich City in 2013 and later made permanent. His consistent goal-scoring ability made him a mainstay in the Derby attack, scoring 20 goals in his first full season. Though his time was marked by a series of loan moves, he returned to form in 2019/20 and left for Bristol City after making over 150 appearances for the Rams.

Scott Carson
Signed from Wigan Athletic in 2015, Carson quickly became a reliable goalkeeper for Derby. His best season came in 2017/18, when he kept 19 clean sheets and helped Derby finish 6th in the Championship. Despite a decline in his later years at the club, Carson’s solid performances earned him recognition, and he went on to join Manchester City as a backup keeper.

Tom Ince
Ince joined Derby on loan from Hull in 2015 and made an immediate impact, scoring twice on his debut. The winger continued to impress after a permanent move for £4.75m, scoring 12 goals and providing 7 assists in his first full season. He went on to have another strong season before moving to Huddersfield for £10m, making Derby a significant profit.

These players are among the standout signings that helped shape Derby’s journey over the past two decades, leaving a lasting legacy at Pride Park.