Derby County has officially announced the signing of striker Carlton Morris from Luton Town, marking their first acquisition of the summer transfer window. The 29-year-old forward has penned a three-year contract with the Rams, joining Pride Park Stadium for an undisclosed fee as Head Coach John Eustace begins to shape his squad ahead of the upcoming Sky Bet Championship season.
Morris arrives with an impressive pedigree, having amassed nearly 400 career appearances and a notable goal tally throughout his career. During his three-season spell at Luton Town, he scored 39 goals, regularly captaining the side and playing a pivotal role in their rise through the English football tiers. His standout season came in 2022-23, where he netted 20 league goals, propelling Luton to promotion to the Premier League. The following year, he continued to impress by scoring 11 goals in the top flight, a commendable feat for a club experiencing its maiden Premier League campaign.
However, Morris's journey has not been without its challenges. After Luton’s relegation from the Premier League, the club suffered a second consecutive drop to League One last season. Despite the team’s struggles, Morris managed to find the net eight times in 43 appearances, demonstrating his resilience and consistency even in difficult circumstances. His experience and leadership as a former captain will undoubtedly be valuable assets for Derby as they look to consolidate their Championship status after narrowly avoiding relegation at Luton's expense.
Speaking about his move, Morris expressed enthusiasm and optimism. "It's a massive club that I've heard a lot of good things about. When they came in for me, it was a bit of a no-brainer, really," he told the Rams’ official website. Reflecting on leaving Luton, he added, "It's emotional leaving them to be honest, but it's a new chapter for me. I think it would be good for them to have some new faces in the door and, hopefully, they can kick on as well." His words highlight both the bittersweet nature of his departure and his readiness to embrace new challenges with Derby.
Derby fans may recall Morris vividly from last season’s tense encounters between the two clubs. In a crucial December fixture at Kenilworth Road, Morris scored a dramatic 92nd-minute winner that dashed Derby’s hopes and marked the beginning of a tough period for the Rams. Later, in a high-stakes relegation six-pointer with just four games remaining, Morris again proved decisive, helping Luton secure vital points in a narrow victory. While his celebrations at Pride Park were met with frustration from Derby supporters, his competitive spirit and determination were undeniable.
Yet, John Eustace and the Derby management see Morris as the ideal addition to strengthen their frontline. Eustace appreciates the striker’s blend of experience, hard work, and goal-scoring ability. Morris is often described as a "proper number nine"—a traditional centre-forward known for his physicality, work rate, and knack for leading by example. Beyond just scoring, he contributes through assists and by engaging in the often gritty aspects of forward play, such as winning fouls and applying pressure on defenders. His style fits well with Derby’s ambitions to build a resilient and effective attacking unit.
Luton Town manager Matt Bloomfield also praised Morris’s contributions, stating, "Carlton has been a big player for our football club for a long time now, and in the relatively short spell that we have worked with him, he has led by example and given everything for the cause." Bloomfield acknowledged Morris's desire to continue playing at the highest level and wished him well in his new chapter at Derby.
Looking ahead, Derby County fans will get their first chance to see Morris in action during a pre-season friendly against Matlock on July 12, 2025. The Rams are set to kick off their Championship campaign with an away game at Stoke City on August 9, followed by a Carabao Cup tie against West Bromwich Albion and their first home league fixture against Coventry City.
The signing of Morris is expected to be the first in a series of moves aimed at reinforcing Derby’s squad. Reports suggest that the club is also targeting Blackburn Rovers duo Andi Weimann, an attacker, and defender Danny Batth, with their arrivals anticipated to be confirmed in the week following Morris’s signing.
Derby County’s acquisition of Carlton Morris signals a clear intent to bounce back stronger after a challenging season. With his proven track record, leadership qualities, and hunger to prove himself, Morris is poised to become a key figure in the Rams’ quest for stability and success in the Championship. As the new season approaches, excitement is building around how this experienced striker will integrate into the team and impact their fortunes on the pitch.
