Shane Duffy lands surprise return to football at injury-stricken Championship club

Derby County have snapped up ex-Brighton defender Shane Duffy on a free transfer. The Republic of Ireland international has been without a club since leaving Norwich in June earlier this year. Duffy signs a two-month contract with the Rams, having trained with them for the past two weeks. It comes amid a severe injury crisis at the Championship club – who currently have six first-team defenders out. Derby have made a desperate start to the 2026/27 season and currently sit 23rd in the table with seven points from 12 games.