Derby County boss Paul Warne has now explained what is ‘crazy’ about this summer transfer window as his priorities now emerge.
Paul Warne knew Derby had to get their business done fast to stand any chance of staying in the Championship.
The Rams have brought in Ben Osborn, Kayden Jackson, Jerry Yates and Kenzo Goudmijn while a move for Ebou Adams from Cardiff City is imminent.
Derby have been shrewd with their dealings, learning from past experiences under the Mel Morris ownership by capturing talented players for cheap.
Goudmijn arriving from Eredivisie side AZ Alkmaar is the prime example, with the 22-year-old costing just £600,000.
Paul Warne explains why the transfer window is ‘crazy’
Derby saw the value of shopping abroad by landing Goudmijn, as opposed to looking for the same type of player in England.
It’s a common issue that English players see their values get inflated massively, whereas Warne believes clubs can get more ‘bang for their buck’ by shopping abroad.
That was the case with Goudmijn, who spent last season on loan at Excelsior Rotterdam and impressed as a creative midfielder, recording seven big chances and providing one key pass per game on average.
Judging by the Dutchman’s profile and the level of football he’s played at such a young age, signing him for just £600k could prove to be a bargain, which is why it beggars belief as to why players in England are going for ‘crazy fees’.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Warne said: “I do think the English market is crazy at the moment, there are players going for some crazy fees and it is difficult, but it is difficult for every team.
“It’s not that I’m complaining, it’s just the fact that we want to make a lot of changes that makes it harder.”
Derby County’s transfer priorities
Shopping further afield is a strategy that Warne could use for the next players he signs, with the Derby boss claiming there is a ‘dearth in many positions’.
Warne has recently said that the Rams need to sign at least 12 new players and getting a deal for Adams over the line would take them to five.
He believes that despite signing two new strikers, he could provide more quality in forward areas, while also targeting two new goalkeepers and three or four new midfielders.
“There is a dearth in many positions,” Warne said.
“I think our frontline is okay, but we can always strengthen that again, our defensive line is okay, but needs strengthening, we need a goalkeeper or two and need probably three or four midfielders. So there is a lot of work to do.”
Derby’s biggest issue last season was putting the ball in the back of the net, scoring the joint fewest of sides that finished in the League One play-offs.
Warne has attempted to address that issue by signing Yates and Jackson but with just 12 Championship goals between them last term, the Rams could use a more clinical centre forward.
Following the departures of Joe Wildsmith and Scott Loach, Derby ideally need at least two more goalkeepers ahead of their season opener against Blackburn Rovers.
As Warne said, there is a lot of work to do before Derby are ready for the Championship however, their strong start to this window has to be acknowledged.