Tom Barkhuizen to Derby County: What do we know so far? Is it likely to happen?

Derby County have been linked with a move for Preston North End midfielder Tom Barkhuizen this summer.

Barkhuizen struggled for game time at North End this past season, making just 13 Championship appearances in 2021/22.

It was recently announced that he will be released by the club on the expiry of his current deal which runs until the end of June.

Here, we’ve examined what we know about the potential transfer so far, and weighed up whether or not we think a move is likely to happen this summer.

The rumours linking Barkhuizen with a move to Pride Park came from journalist Alan Nixon, who reported via Patreon that Derby County were one of three clubs interested in making a move for the out-of-contract player this summer.

Rotherham United and Bolton Wanderers are the other two clubs credited with an interest in the 28-year-old.

According to Nixon, Derby are set to make Barkhuizen an offer as the summer approaches, with the club looking to build a squad capable of bouncing back after relegation to League One this season.

This is certainly an interesting one, with multiple clubs rumoured to be interested in securing Barkhuizen’s services.

It could all depend on whether or not Barkhuizen is looking at the short term, or the long.

With an offer from Championship side Rotherham United on the table, it may be an attractive proposition for Barkhuizen to remain in the second tier with them.

However, given their recent history in the divison, they may struggle to survive next season and in that scenario, Barkhuizen would end up in League One anyway.

If he joined Derby however, he would be joining a club that although in the third tier, plan on an immediate promotion back to the Championship and who would likely stand a better