The “life-changing” money Lewis Travis is earning at Derby County that Blackburn Rovers could never match

Lewis Travis’s Derby County Move: Big Pay Rise, Big Expectations

When Lewis Travis completed his long-anticipated summer switch to Derby County, the midfielder landed a sizeable salary increase — one that reportedly far exceeds what he was earning at Blackburn Rovers.

The deal, believed to include a sell-on clause and potentially worth more than £3 million, looks like a solid outcome for Blackburn from a financial standpoint.

However, money wasn’t the only factor. Travis’s strong relationship with John Eustace, his former manager at Blackburn, played a major role in the move. Eustace’s departure for Pride Park in February opened the door for several ex-Rovers players to reunite with him — including Danny Batth, Andi Weimann, Owen Beck, and Dion Sanderson.

Since joining Derby, Travis has become a key figure, even being named club captain in September and starting all six league matches so far. But how does his new salary compare to what he earned at Ewood Park?

How Travis’s Derby Wages Compare to His Blackburn Pay

Travis has spoken highly of Eustace’s “honest” approach and Derby’s ambition, suggesting his decision wasn’t purely about money — though the figures certainly tell their own story.

According to Capology, Travis now earns around £20,000 per week at Derby, placing him among the club’s top earners. Only Ben Brereton Díaz and Carlton Morris, both reportedly on £25,000 per week, are believed to earn more — although in Díaz’s case, Southampton are thought to be covering his wages.

By contrast, Capology data shows that Travis’s weekly salary at Blackburn was just £3,462. Even as one of Rovers’ highest-paid players, Derby’s offer represented almost a sixfold increase — a massive financial leap for a Championship-level footballer.

As the Lancashire Telegraph noted, the money involved was “life-changing” and effectively priced Blackburn out of keeping their captain.

Mixed Reaction from Derby Fans

Derby’s willingness to spend heavily this summer has raised both excitement and expectation among supporters — but also pressure on new signings like Travis to deliver.

The Rams’ transfer window also included a £5.8 million deal for American striker Patrick Agyemang and up to £3.5 million for right-back Max Johnston, further heightening scrutiny over value for money.

Agyemang eased some pressure with his first goal against Southampton, but Travis’s performances have divided opinion. Some fans have listed him among the team’s “negatives,” with one even jokingly asking Blackburn to take him back.

For now, Travis’s Derby story will hinge on how he adapts to the expectations that come with being captain and one of the club’s top earners.

Eustace has described his skipper as someone who “leads by example” — and after the international break, Travis will be eager to show that he can justify both the faith and the pay rise that brought him to Pride Park.