Fri 17 Jul - Posted in Breaking News
Time to read: 2mins
Derby County Academy are delighted to confirm the signings of Frankie Jones and Kean Wren on professional contracts.
Both will link up with Derby Under-21s as part of Danny Maye’s squad for the upcoming Premier League 2 season.
Wren arrives from Everton, where he progressed through the Toffees’ academy ranks to Under-18 level. Predominantly a left winger, he scored six times and added four assists in 21 U18 Premier League appearances last term.
His return included a strike on debut for Derby, netting the winner in a 2-1 victory over Wolves during a trial period in April.
Discussing his move to Pride Park, the 18-year-old said:“It’s a dream come true to sign for this club. I’m really excited to get started with the team.
“I feel the players, the facilities, and the culture are all together; that was a big factor in attracting me to the club. I want to contribute goals and assists, and keep developing my game.”
Jones joins the Rams from Sheffield United, having moved up through the age groups at Bramall Lane to earn his first professional deal last summer.
The 19-year-old, who spent a brief time on loan with Cleethorpes Town at the back end of 2025, primarily operates at left back but offers the versatility to play further forward down the left flank.
He featured home and away against Derby in the Premier League Cup last term, while the Yorkshireman also made a solitary PL2 appearance in black and white during a trial with Danny Maye’s side in February.
Upon signing for the Rams, Jones said:“When Derby came in for me, it was a no-brainer. I’m absolutely buzzing to be here.
“It’s such a big club. It’s clear the trajectory Derby are on, especially looking at the First Team last season. Hopefully, I can crack on and eventually break into that setup to show what I’m about.”
Academy Manager, Jamie Smith, said: “We are delighted to welcome Frankie and Kean to Derby County. Both had trial periods at the end of last season and thoroughly impressed our recruitment and coaching staff with their personality, work rate and technical qualities.
“We are looking forward to working with Frankie and Kean to help improve them both individually within our Under-21 programme. Both players have integrated well into the group and fit the values we hold as an Academy and a Football Club.”
