Former Huddersfield Town, Rangers and Leicester City attacker still a free agent months after release

A seasoned frontman, Waghorn had returned to Pride Park for a second spell having previously amassed over 100 appearances for the Rams between 2018 and 2021.

He helped the club seal promotion back to the Championship upon his return, although the celebrations proved to be his last hurrah as a Derby player.

Despite boasting a wealth of experience, the 34-year-old has not been unable to find a new home for the 2024/25 season.

While he may not be as appealing an option as he was in his pomp, Waghorn’s free agency may come as a surprise to some fans. He has spent the vast majority of his career in the Championship, delivering some admirable goal hauls.

Sunderland nurtured Waghorn and gave him his break in the senior game, exposing him to the bright lights of the Premier League as a teenager.

He was tipped for a bright future by former Black Cats boss Roy Keane, although it was in the second tier that Waghorn settled.

Moves to Leicester City, Wigan Athletic, Rangers and Ipswich Town would follow over the years, before Waghorn arrived in Derby for his first Pride Park spell.

His first taste of Yorkshire came while on the books of Leicester, as Hull took the frontman on loan during the 2011/12 campaign.

A return to the county did not materialise for 12 years, but Waghorn did make a Yorkshire comeback in 2023 when he joined Huddersfield on loan from Coventry City, his post-Derby home. He made 13 appearances for the Terriers, scoring once.

Waghorn kept sharp over the summer by featuring in the PFA’s squad of free agents, which was put together to help unattached players have an authentic pre-season.

However, as October passes its midway point, the experienced marksman is still on the hunt for a fresh challenge.