Derby County has had its fair share of “what if?” scenarios regarding past transfer windows. One of the most notable examples is Ollie Watkins, who was linked with a move to Pride Park from Exeter City several years ago.
The striker ultimately joined Brentford, where he showcased his talent, leading to a transfer to Aston Villa. There, he not only plays in the Premier League but has also participated in the Champions League and represented the England national team on the global stage.
Ollie Watkins isn’t the only player many Derby fans feel they missed out on; another rising star is Ferdi Kadioglu. The versatile defender excelled at Fenerbahce in Turkey before Brighton secured his services this summer.
What Ferdi Kadioglu Did in Brighton vs. Nottingham Forest
Although he never made the move to Pride Park, Kadioglu certainly demonstrated his spirit in a match against Nottingham Forest. The 24-year-old was warming up on the sidelines during Brighton’s game and actively contributed to the flow of play by handing Alex Moreno the ball for a quick throw-in.
The Forest full-back appeared to pass on that opportunity, leading to a tense moment between the two on the sidelines. The match referee had to intervene to prevent their disagreement from escalating, making for an entertaining spectacle.
Although Kadioglu never transferred to Derby, his display on the sidelines likely won him a few fans at the club.
The only thing that could have taken his performance to the next level would have been scoring a winning goal against Nottingham Forest.
Derby County’s Change in Transfer Strategy
Since missing out on players like Watkins and Kadioglu, Derby County has experienced a significant change in ownership. This shift has brought about a transformation in their transfer strategy, moving away from overpaying for players.
Now, the club is focused on making smarter decisions, targeting the right players at the right prices. The recent summer transfer window exemplifies this approach, as Paul Warne has assembled a capable squad, positioning the club for a more sensible and sustainable future.