Derby County have confirmed the signing of forward Filip Bilbija from SC Paderborn on a free transfer, the club announced Wednesday evening. The 26-year-old has agreed to a three-year contract with the Rams, bolstering their attacking options ahead of the upcoming EFL Championship season. Bilbija’s contract with Paderborn expired at the end of June, allowing him to move to Pride Park without a transfer fee.
Bilbija arrives at Derby following a productive season with Paderborn in 3. Liga, the third tier of German football. He was a key contributor to their promotion campaign, scoring 15 goals in the regular season and adding another in the relegation play-offs. The Berlin native’s goalscoring record attracted the attention of several clubs, but he ultimately chose to continue his career in England.
SC Paderborn will be without Bilbija’s services as they attempt to consolidate their position in the 2. Bundesliga. The club will now need to seek replacements for the German forward, who proved instrumental in their recent success. Bilbija joined Paderborn in January 2023 from VfB Lübeck, where he spent a season and a half.
Derby County, recently promoted back to the Championship after a period in administration and League One, are actively reshaping their squad under manager Paul Warne. The addition of Bilbija provides a much-needed attacking threat as the club prepares for the challenges of the second tier. The Rams will be hoping Bilbija can replicate his goalscoring form in England and help secure their Championship status. This signing signals Derby’s ambition to compete effectively following their return to the Championship.
