Derby County might need to offload some underperforming players after recent transfer rumors.

The Rams’ opening Championship game of the 2024/25 season against Blackburn Rovers ended disappointingly, especially in the second half when John Eustace’s team took control. The match exposed several issues on the pitch, particularly with defender Eiran Cashin, who delivered an unexpectedly poor performance in Derby’s return to the Championship.

Kayden Jackson led the attack for Paul Warne’s side but failed to score in his competitive debut for Derby, raising questions about whether the team needs further reinforcement up front.

Jerry Yates was signed this summer, but Warne is still looking to bring in another Championship striker, with Luton Town’s Cauley Woodrow linked to a move to Pride Park.

If Derby County secures a deal for Woodrow, Warne may need to make tough decisions regarding the future of two Rams players who could be on their way out.

Derby County should look to move on both James Collins and Conor Washington.

There remains the challenge of Luton Town securing additional attacking options before allowing a move for Woodrow. If the transfer goes through, Warne will need to offload players to prevent an overcrowded squad.

Signing Woodrow would bring the number of strikers in the squad to five, prompting Warne to consider cutting players, with James Collins and Conor Washington’s futures in question. Both are unlikely to see much playing time in Warne’s one-striker system, especially Washington, who didn’t even make the squad for the trip to Ewood Park.

Derby County will need to adopt a ruthless approach to successfully make the step up to the Championship.

Derby County’s opening day defeat served as a wake-up call for Paul Warne’s team, who were clearly outclassed by their opponents in Lancashire.

Warne now faces a race against time to assess which players in the squad aren’t up to Championship standards and make the necessary changes. With decent depth in attack, Warne has the chance to offload both Collins and Washington this summer, and he should take a similar approach with other underperforming players if more signings are made throughout August.

This tough stance from Warne won’t just help clear out those lacking the required quality, but it will also push the remaining squad members to prove they are capable of competing at this level.