Derby County swerved big Birmingham City transfer bullet – Barnsley FC weren’t so lucky

Although his first three appointments had all come at Rotherham United — each ending in relegation, despite his move to Derby County in 2022 — the role represented a huge chance for the current MK Dons boss. He inherited a strong squad and a fanbase of around 30,000 who were expecting nothing less than a push for the play-offs.
Derby had narrowly missed out on a top-six finish the season before. A 1–0 defeat away at Sheffield Wednesday on the final day allowed Peterborough United to jump above them into sixth place, though the Posh were later eliminated by Wednesday in the play-off semi-finals. That campaign ended with an all-Sheffield final at Wembley, where Barnsley were beaten by the Owls — and the Tykes were determined to respond strongly in League One in 2023/24.
Barnsley made an early statement by beating Derby to the signing of a striker from Birmingham City, though the move would later prove misleading. In August 2023, journalist Alan Nixon reported strong interest in Birmingham forward Sam Cosgrove from a number of League One clubs.
Cosgrove, then 26, had spent the previous season on loan at Plymouth Argyle, contributing eight goals in 33 appearances as the Pilgrims clinched the League One title and earned promotion to the Championship — largely featuring as an impact substitute.
Blackpool initially appeared favourites for his signature, but Charlton Athletic and Oxford United were also keen. Derby and Barnsley both monitored the situation closely, exploring both loan and permanent options. In the end, it was Barnsley who won the race, signing the Beverley-born striker on a two-year contract with the option of a further year.
The deal was completed on a free transfer and felt like a significant win over Derby, with both clubs viewed as promotion contenders. However, Barnsley quickly realised they had not acquired the prolific version of Cosgrove seen at Plymouth, but rather the forward who had struggled to establish himself at St Andrew’s.
During his first season at Oakwell, Cosgrove managed just three league goals in 32 appearances as Barnsley fell short of automatic promotion. His difficulties would come to define much of his spell in England.
Derby, meanwhile, finished second in the 2023/24 League One season and secured an immediate return to the Championship, despite underwhelming returns from their summer signings — Conor Washington, Martyn Waghorn and Tyreece John-Jules.
Barnsley were once again forced into the play-offs, only to be knocked out at the semi-final stage by Bolton Wanderers. It was another painful conclusion to the season for the South Yorkshire club. Cosgrove’s struggles continued into the following campaign, scoring just once in 19 league outings before leaving on loan to Stockport County for the latter half of the season.
By the summer of 2025, his Barnsley spell came to an end when his contract expired. He has since moved to the A-League, joining New Zealand side Auckland, where he has rediscovered some form — a stark contrast to his difficult time in England’s third tier.
For Derby, missing out on Cosgrove ultimately worked in their favour. While Barnsley remain stuck in League One, the Rams are competing near the top of the Championship with eyes firmly set on the Premier League. What felt like a setback at the time turned out to be a long-term positive.