Derby County Favourite Linked With Surprise Free Transfer

Derby County Veteran Linked with Free League One Switch

Derby County defender Curtis Nelson is being lined up for a move to Bolton Wanderers on a permanent deal in the coming months, with the deal taking him to the Toughsheet Community Stadium likely being free, as per the reliable 'Round the Houses' on the Derby County Forums.

Football League World revealed in December that Derby County were actively looking to offload the 32-year-old on either a loan or permanent move, and it now seems that Bolton are the side in prime position to take on his signature, free of charge.

Despite impressing during a Boxing Day appearance against Birmingham City, Nelson looks set to bring an end to his time at Pride Park in the not-so-distant future.

Curtis Nelson is getting lined up for a move to League One side Bolton Wanderers on a permanent transfer, likely for free. #dcfc #dcfcfans

Source: [‘Round the houses’ on the forum] pic.twitter.com/fYmqLkoicS

— The South Stand (@TheSouth_Stand) January 4, 2026

Nelson Set for Bolton Move

Curtis Nelson has remained on the fringes of the Derby County first team so far this season. The 32-year-old defender has made just two appearances in the EFL Championship so far this season, including the aforementioned display against Birmingham on Boxing Day.

After suffering a knee ligament injury against Watford a year ago, Nelson's standing in the squad was diminished and has not been recovered. The recall of Owen Beck by Liverpool led to Nelson's return to the 25-man playing squad, however he has only played 46 minutes of first-team football since this happening.

After an impressive debut campaign at Pride Park saw Nelson named as Derby's player of the season in the 23/24 campaign, one that saw them promoted back into the Championship and out of League One, many Derby County fans have an appreciation for Nelson and believe he should be getting more opportunities.

However, Bolton Wanderers are poised to make a permanent move for the side-lined defender, with John Eustace happy to offload the former Cardiff City defender with his contract up at the end of the season.

Nelson to Bolton: The Fan Reaction

News breaking that Nelson is set to make a permanent exit from Pride Park in favour of Bolton has not gone down too well with The Rams' supporters. One fan, responding on X, claimed that Nelson was far better than those who played a part in Derby's 2-1 loss to Wrexham on the 4th of January.

Terrible decision if true! Way better than what we had today!

— Paul Turner (@Paulderby501) January 4, 2026

Matt Clarke and captain Sondre Klingen Langas played as part of a three-strong defence, with Dion Sanderson also starting after making his Pride Park loan from Birmingham City permanent on New Year's Eve. John Eustace has been a manager in the EFL for three and a half years, and has now signed Sanderson five times in that period.

John Eustace has managed in the EFL for 3 and a half years.

He has signed Dion Sanderson 5 times in that period. https://t.co/yRG2eH9B6n

— Cam ﾂ (@DCFCcammm) December 31, 2025

Clarke and Langas drew more of the ire after Sunday's loss to Wrexham, with another fan stating that Nelson was a more preferable option in place of the duo.

Stupid. He is miles better than batth and would have much liked him instead of Clarke and langas today as they were miles off it

— william lewis (@William_DCFC) January 4, 2026

With Nelson's time at Pride Park looking to be coming to a close, Derby County fans may have to come to terms soon with the departure of their former favourite.