The reasons, on and off, for that embargo
DERBY County are now under a transfer embargo for four reasons, not five.
Wayne Rooney’s side were limited in the summer market, which closed at the beginning of the month, meaning they could only sign free agents or loan players. They brought in five on free transfers: Sam Baldock, Ravel Morrison, Ryan Allsop, Phil Jagielka and Richard Stearman.
They could only pay new signings a maximum of £4,500 per week and Rooney is only allowed to have 23 professionals in the squad.
Derby are under embargo because of a “failure to provide audited annual accounts”, not filing them with Companies House, defaulting in payments to HM Revenue and Customs and an alleged breach of profit and sustainability rules.
When the English Football League (EFL) made the restrictions clear earlier in the
summer, another reason was added: “Default in paying transfer fee instalments.”
That was later taken off – but it re-appeared last week and has now disappeared again, suggesting that Derby have paid whatever was outstanding.
Owner Mel Morris has been looking for fresh investment or to sell the club after six years in charge at Pride Park.