The six players who waved an official goodbye to Derby County amid transfer flurry
by Leigh Curtis · Derbyshire LiveDerby County's transfer business has started impressively as John Eustace oversees his first full window in charge as the club's head coach.
Carlton Morris was the first to sign last week as he put pen to paper on a three-year deal after the club paid an undisclosed fee to Luton Town for his services.
That was then followed by the arrival of centre-back Danny Batth from Blackburn Rovers on Tuesday in what was a busy day of Derby arrivals.
The return of Andi Weimann was then confirmed later in the day with the attacker penning a one-year deal after following Batth from Ewood Park to Pride Park.
And finally, the experienced Richard O'Donnell signed a one-year contract to join Jacob Widell Zetterstrom and Josh Vickers as Derby's trio of goalkeepers.
But while the fans were celebrating those arrivals, a number of players waved goodbye as they became official free agents. Here DerbyshireLive brings you the players who are now free to sign elsewhere.
Tom Barkhuizen
Having arrived in the summer of 2022 and one of the first signings the club made after coming out of administration, Barkhuizen was released at the end of the season.
The winger is unlikely to be short of offers in League One where he was part of Derby's promotion-winning team in the 2023-24 season.
Still only 31 so does have plenty to offer still.
Jeff Hendrick
Hendrick returned to Derby as a free agent after the January window closed primarily to add cover due to a crippling injury list.
Although the former Burnley and Newcastle midfielder never made an appearance, his experience made him valuable to the squad.
He was also a good influence around the dressing room, something which Eustace noted after the club survived relegation.
Rohan Luthra
The former Cardiff goalkeeper never made a first-team appearance but he was elevated to the substitutes' bench in the second half of the campaign.
That was a result of an injury to Jacob Widell Zetterstrom which meant Josh Vickers took over in goal.
Luthra became back-up, but Derby were never in a position where they needed to call on him.
Now finds himself looking for a new club.
Erik Pieters
That was his only apperance and it would make for a good Derby quiz question in the future.
Still, Pieters proved valuable to the cause because an injury to Callum Elder meant Craig Forsyth was the only left-back on the books.
And much like Jeff Hendrick, Pieters was brought into the club for his experience and his professionalism.
Clearly, he would have been ready to step up if required.
Kemar Roofe
The former Rangers striker was brought to the club on a free transfer after an injury to Lars Jorgen-Salvesen reduced the club's striking options.
Unfortunately for Roofe he would go onto pick up an injury himself and while the former Rangers striker was released, he is currently training at Derby to keep himself fit.
Eustace enjoyed having him around Pride Park in the time he was at the club and he did make a handful of appearances.
If he can keep himself fit, he should find a new club no problem.
Conor Washington
The striker's time at Derby County was mired in injury problems which never helped his cause in the slightest.
There were some flashes of what he was capable of but he could never truly stamp his place on the team when he was given the opportunity.
He never made one appearance last season in what was a long campaign without any football except for some appearances with the academy team.
Will be interesting to see where he ends up after his move to Derby never worked out.
Were Derby right to release all of the players above? Have your say HERE.
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