Derby County will need substantial support to avoid relegation from the Championship.
After finishing second in League One for the 2023/24 season, Derby secured a spot in England’s second tier for the upcoming campaign. Having been away from the Championship for two years, they are expected to be among the teams at risk of dropping down in 2024/25.
To counter this, Paul Warne has been active in the summer transfer window. The most recent addition, David Ozoh, impressed in a friendly match against Barnsley on July 31st. Additionally, Warne praised Kayden Jackson, another summer signing, following the same fixture.
So far, Derby have brought in seven new first-team players: four midfielders, one winger, and two centre-forwards. Despite these additions, Warne is still seeking further reinforcements as they step up to the Championship.
Paul Warne has confirmed that Derby are in talks for Sunderland midfielder Elliot Embleton, though they face competition from League One side Blackpool. They are also leading the chase for Karamoko Dembele, despite interest from Sheffield Wednesday and Portsmouth.
Warne has mentioned that Derby are considering another potential target from the Premier League, who he believes could significantly enhance the squad. However, he doubts a deal will be finalized before Derby’s season opener on August 9th. Warne noted, “I spoke to a club this week about a player I really want to sign. I don’t think, even if I am allowed to sign him, that it would get done for the first game of the season so I don’t think that will happen. There are a couple of other options in the works, but I don’t have full control and am at the mercy of the teams involved.”
Derby County has had difficulty finding a top-quality striker who can score over 20 goals a season.
Despite finishing second in League One, the Rams ended the 2023/24 season as the joint-fifth highest scorers. Moreover, none of their players made it into the top ten of the League One scoring chart last season.
James Collins, who scored 14 goals, was the closest, but at 33 years old, he’s not expected to be as effective in the Championship.
Jackson has shown promise in pre-season but has mostly been used on the wings rather than as a central striker.
Warne might have hoped Jerry Yates would take the lead, but Yates is suspended for Derby’s match against Blackburn Rovers.
Without a new signing, Derby will lack striking options unless they bring in a new player before next weekend.