Paul Warne’s team has strengthened both up front and in midfield recently thanks to a very active transfer market.
The transfer of Dutch midfielder Kenzo Goudmijn to Pride Park ahead of Derby County’s 2024–25 Championship season—where they will look to build on their promotion from League One in the previous season—follows the astute signing of Ben Osborn after his release from Sheffield United.
Additionally, Ebou Adams is almost certain to make a comeback to Derby County after the Rams and Cardiff City have agreed to pay the Gambian international £900,000.
In attack, Warne now has a more reliable goal scoring threat at this level with the inclusion of Kayden Jackson following his release from Ipswich Town and the loan signing of Jerry Yates.
Before the upcoming season, Warne has made reference to a few positions that “need strengthening.”
There is “a long way to go” for Derby County in the summer transfer window.
Prior to the start of the upcoming Championship season, Paul Warne has said that Pride Park will still require a number of new additions.
“Paul Warne says they’ve still got a long way to go in the window,” Dominic Dietrich wrote on X.
He described how they need to enhance their defence by adding one or two goalkeepers and three or four midfielders.
“also mentioned the possibility of reinforcing the front line.”
This summer, Derby County has already added five players to their roster. Corey Blackett-Taylor joined the team after joining on a 2023–2024 loan.
After losing Korey Smith, Conor Hourihane, and Louie Sibley—all of whom were crucial to the Rams’ 2023–24 promotion back to the Championship—Warne will need to strengthen his options in the midfield.
Does Derby County require significant changes?
It’s evident from Warne’s comments that a lot more additions will be required to get his team prepared for the Championship.
Before the window closes, Warne will need a custodian, and his only available option for now is Josh Vickers.
Warne is right to want to strengthen the defence, as cover has little experience in the Championship and is also somewhat light.
It is not necessary, though, for Warne to have “three or four more additions” throughout the midfield.
Adams is apparently close to signing a contract to rejoin the team, giving them a number of choices.
Derby County should be willing to make concessions and settle for one or two more midfield additions if doing so would mean adding two or more players to their attacking midfield, which Warne has said “could be strengthened.”
The Rams have added Jackson and Yates, two smart additions, but instead of overcrowding the middle of the pitch, the team has to prioritise adding at least one more striker of this calibre.
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