Derby County agree James Collins deal – sources
James Collins has agreed terms on a new contract with Derby County, sources have told Football Insider.
The deal will extend the 33-year-old’s stay at Pride Park Stadium, with the deal expected to be announced imminently.
The striker was originally going to be out of contract with the Rams this summer, which would have made him available for a free transfer, but he’s opted to commit his future to the club instead.
Collins has been with Derby since July 2022, when he signed a two-year contract following his time at Cardiff City, and since then, he’s been a regular feature in the squad.
The experienced forward played a crucial role in Derby’s successful promotion campaign last season, including scoring the second goal in the 2-0 win over Carlisle United that secured their second-place finish in League One.
Despite dealing with injury setbacks, Collins played 46 games in all competitions in the 2023-24 campaign and contributed 19 goals.
James Collins brings experience to Derby’s attack
At 33 years old, Collins is one of the most experienced members of the Rams squad, which could prove valuable to Paul Warne as he prepares his team for the Championship, and having played 666 fixtures in his career, he certainly brings that.
With 220 career goals and 52 assists in all competitions, he’s a proven threat at the top end of the pitch, and he’s someone who brings Championship experience to the squad.
Collins has played 114 times in the second-tier of English football, which is the type of knowledge that’s tough to replace.
Experience appears to be something Warne is looking at for next season, as the club made former Sheffield United midfielder Ben Osborn their first signing of the summer last week.
In other news, Swansea City striker is undergoing Derby County medical.
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