Derby County managed to end the 2024/25 summer transfer window in positive fashion.
Following Derby County’s conclusion to the summer window, it is safe to say that Paul Warne’s options across the park have been completely revolutionised for the better.
Midfield signings were prioritised from the start, and Derby County were able to end the window in positive fashion and attain the services of Liverpool centre-back Nat Phillips, who joined alongside Ipswich Town winger Marcus Harness.
Derby County’s summer window had to be spectacular in order to get up to the speed of the Championship, especially after what was a massively lengthy list of players released following the 2023/24 League One promotion.
Whilst there are still areas for improvement and signings that should have been targeted that perhaps weren’t, there certainly are improvements in the side.
After the progress made by Warne and the board, there are five things that stand out following the conclusion of Derby County’s business this window.
- READ MORE: Nat Phillips reveals what he’s ‘heard’ about Derby County fans after joining on loan from Liverpool
Paul Warne is overrun with strikers
It is clear that Warne prioritised striker additions throughout the summer transfer window, and that led to the signings of both Kayden Jackson and Jerry Yates.
Whilst theb pair are brilliant signings for a newly-promoted side, Derby County’s inability to move on both Conor Washington and James Collins could cause issues with players wanting game time.
Dajaune Brown for example is a young player that would certainly benefit from game time, and since a loan move wasn’t sanctioned for the 18-year-old, it would be unlikely to see the youngster utilised for Warne this season as a result of the bloated options in front of him.
Made necessary goalkeeper addition
Derby County shot-stopper Josh Vickers struggled at the start of the 2024/25 Championship season, especially in the campaign opener against Blackburn Rovers, however he managed to turn it around following a clean sheet against Middlesbrough.
Despite this, it was vital that Warne sought to bring in a goalkeeper this window, and he managed to do just that with the exciting arrival of Jacob Widell Zetterstrom, who joined from Swedish side Djurgardens.
The new Rams keeper already has a Swedish cap to his name, and he has the potential ability to become a real asset for Derby County this season.
Wide options are still a concern despite Marcus Harness signing
The signing of Harness was certainly a vital one for Warne on Deadline Day, especially considering the only wide options at this moment consist of Nathaniel Mendez-Laing and Tom Barkhuizen.
However, despite the arrival from Premier League outfit Ipswich Town, options are still incredibly light in either flank, and it is something that could be detrimental to Warne’s style of play.
Nat Phillips signing has revolutionised the defensive options
The signing of Phillips was certainly one that took many by surprise, and he will certainly prove to be a massive part of the dressing room for Derby County.
Due to the injury sustained by Jake Rooney, options were threadbare at centre-back, however the necessary addition has made a massive difference, and he will be crucial with his vast Premier League and Championship experience.
Paul Warne has given himself brilliant midfield options
It is clear that Warne emphasised the necessity of bringing in midfield additions this summer, and there is no doubt that he excelled in doing so this summer with the sheer quality that he managed to bring in.
From Premier League experience in Ben Osborn and David Ozoh, to the young talent of Kenzo Goudmijn, there is lots of promise in the midfield for Warne this season, and that was backed up by the return of midfielder Ebou Adams from Cardiff City.