Derby County have been advised to pursue several League One transfers, including Huddersfield Town’s center-back Michael Helik, to reinforce their defense after a 4-2 defeat to Blackburn Rovers. Despite often using a back-five in League One, Derby started the 2024/25 Championship with a flat four consisting of Kane Wilson, Curtis Nelson, Eiran Cashin, and Callum Elder.

Although Paul Warne’s team managed to stay competitive for most of the game and even equalized with 23 minutes left, they quickly fell apart, conceding three goals in ten minutes to trail 4-1. A late goal from Wilson offered some hope, but it wasn’t enough to change the outcome.

Derby’s defensive vulnerabilities were also evident in their pre-season, with heavy losses to Chesterfield and Barnsley. As a result, there is growing pressure for Warne to strengthen the backline with players from League One, where Derby earned their promotion.

Derby fans, including pundit Shaun Woodward, have expressed concern over the defense’s fragility, particularly after the Blackburn match. Woodward has suggested targeting younger, quicker players like Josh Earl or even considering a return for former player Lee Buchanan. However, he emphasizes that Helik, with his Championship experience and defensive prowess, could be an ideal signing to improve Derby’s survival chances in the Championship.