Derby Talent Expected to Depart on Loan

Derby Talent Expected to Depart on Loan

Derby County defender Jake Rooney is expected to leave Pride Park on loan before the end of this summer's transfer window, Football Park understands.

The 22-year-old centre-back is subjected to interest from a host of League One clubs, with the former Burnley academy prospect being left frustrated with a lack of game-time this season, having been limited only to appearances against West Bromwich Albion and his former employers in the Carabao Cup.

Despite The Rams opting traditionally for a three centre-back setup under manager John Eustace, the arrivals of Dion Sanderson and Danny Batth have seen Rooney fall down the pecking order.

Rooney would follow Dajaune Brown out of the exit door at Pride Park - Football Park exclusively revealed that the young striker would be leaving the club on loan yesterday, with Brown joining Port Vale shortly after - as well as Ben Osborn, who is also expected to depart on loan with Mansfield Town and Barnsley interested in his services this season.

Rooney Expected to Leave Derby

Jake Rooney is a player held in high regard around the EFL, but injury troubles and the arrivals of new faces at Derby County has seen him subjected to playing a bit-part role with the club.

Disappointing to not get something out the game last night, loads of positives from last night though, travelling fans top drawer as always 👊🏻👊🏻🐏 pic.twitter.com/JFSVXgwSGC

— Jake Rooney (@JakeRooney8_) August 27, 2025

Having missed the majority of Derby's successful bid for promotion from League One in the 23/24 season with an unfortunate ACL injury early in the season, the 22-year-old central defender failed to make a single appearance in any competition for Derby's senior side last season, as The Rams managed to navigate their way away from the relegation zone under Eustace.

Having made a return to life in a white shirt in the EFL Cup this season, the arrivals of new faces and a lack of game time over the course the last two years as seen Rooney touted for a temporary exit. We understand that any loan would likely see Rooney - the younger cousin of Manchester United legend Wayne - depart for League One, with a host of un-named clubs interested.

Brown and Osborn Also On The Way

As revealed by Football Park yesterday afternoon, Dajaune Brown and Ben Osborn are also amongst the small group due to leave Derby County on loan before the transfer window closes on Monday afternoon.

We are delighted to announce the loan signing of Derby County striker Dajaune Brown, who becomes our tenth new addition of the summer.

Welcome to the Vale, Daj!

More: https://t.co/WeRJd7x53E #PVFC | #PVFC150 pic.twitter.com/vUsNFeMoMH

— Port Vale Football Club (@OfficialPVFC) August 27, 2025

Brown has already departed the club, with Port Vale unveiling the 19-year-old as their new loan signing just a few hours later on Wednesday evening.

Former Nottingham Forest and Sheffield United man Osborn is also expected to move away on loan from the club in the window's final few days, with Mansfield Town and Barnsley of League One amongst the chasing pack. The 31-year-old Osborn would bring a wealth of experience to a club in the third tier, having made 61 Premier League appearances across his 5-year stay with The Blades, helping them win promotion back to the top-flight in 2023.