Derby County's best paid player under David Clowes and whether the club are getting value | OneFootball

Ben Osborn joined the Rams in the summer, but he has not had it all his own way so far.

Derby County have brought in 15 new faces over the course of the 2024/25 season, with four of those signing for the club during the January transfer window.

It's been a bitterly disappointing campaign for the Rams so far, and the threat of relegation feels very real for supporters, despite starting their first term back in the Championship in strong fashion.

A pointless January saw Paul Warne lose his job ahead of his now former side's clash against Norwich City, but the squad is still lacking in quality across the board.

Derby have not spent recklessly, however, and financially they are not in any trouble. Football League World has taken a look at the club's best paid player, and whether he has been value for money.

Ben Osborn is Derby County's estimated highest earner

Ben Osborn joined the Rams after his contract at Sheffield United came to an end in the summer, and there was plenty of excitement surrounding his arrival.

The boyhood supporter had left the club in his youth, joining bitter rivals Nottingham Forest. He made a name for himself at the City Ground, and even scored the winner in the East Midlands derby at Pride Park in the 2014/15 campaign.

He moved to the Blades in 2019, and played Premier League football for the very first time before moving back to DE24 after his now former club were relegated back to the Championship.

It is this top flight pedigree that allowed the excitement to build when he arrived as Warne's first signing since winning promotion from League One, and that has come at a price.

According to Capology's estimates, the midfielder is Derby's top earner, bringing in £17,500-a-week. He signed a two-year deal when he put pen-to-paper as a Ram for the first time in two decades, meaning that he will be 31 when his contract expires.

Ben Osborn has not quite lived up to expectations with Derby County

Arriving off the back of an incredibly difficult season in the Premier League at Sheffield United, there were hopes that Osborn was going to be able to recapture the form that helped his former team win promotion to the top flight.

However, he has struggled for fitness throughout, and when he has made it onto the pitch he has flattered to deceive.

Playing in a mix of central and defensive midfield positions has not helped him, but he is yet to stand out on the pitch for Derby. More needs to be shown from the 30-year-old if he wants consistent game time, and with his estimated wage so high, this is needed quickly.

He has captained the Rams on a few occasions, but these games have come in tough times for the Rams. Supporters needs to see more desire and quality from his senior players like Osborn, otherwise the club are going to suffer relegation.

With a third of the season left, there is still time to prove to supporters that he has what it takes to play regularly in this team, but Derby need action quickly, and it can be said that the ex-Blade is not living up to his wage.