The January transfer window is fast approaching, and Paul Warne could really transform Derby County’s fortunes with just one very simple signing.
12 new faces were brought in by Derby County during the summer as the Rams prepared for life in the Championship once more, and most of them have performed well so far this season.
While David Clowes has been urged to take a ‘different’ approach to achieving success and avoid the temptation of spending big in the transfer market, Derby fans will still want to see some alterations made in the upcoming window.
Thankfully, Paul Warne doesn’t have to reinvent the wheel, as it could be a very straightforward case of one in, one out for Derby in the New Year.
- READ MORE: Former Derby County boss puts record straight on Mel Morris and Stephen Pearce after ‘crazy’ claim
It’s time to cash in on Conor Washington
There are a handful of Derby County players who are out of contract at the end of the season, and while some will be left to run their deal down, the club may want to cash in where possible in January.
One player who the Rams would be smart to shift is Conor Washington, with the veteran striker failing to make an appearance in the Championship this season.
Washington contributed three goals last term on the way to promotion, but in truth, the Northern Irishman has never really done enough to warrant his place in the Derby County squad.
Granted, injuries have held him back this season, and it will likely be difficult to find anyone willing to pay a meaningful fee in January given his contract situation. Still, anything is better than nothing, and simply getting Washington off the books would be shrewd at this point.
- READ MORE: Three Derby County changes Paul Warne surely makes for Preston clash amid Eiran Cashin update
Derby County should move for Cauley Woodrow again
Meanwhile, Derby can improve their attacking roster instantly by making an approach for Luton Town’s Cauley Woodrow.
Derby County were linked with a move for Woodrow in the summer but that never came to fruition, with Luton unable to find a replacement.
| Statistic | Cauley Woodrow (2024/25) | Conor Washington (2023/24) |
|---|---|---|
| Appearances | 8 | 21 |
| Goals | 0 | 3 |
| Shots on target % | 50 | 38.9 |
| Shots on target per 90 | 2.77 | 0.77 |
| Caught offside | 1 | 10 |
| Fouls drawn | 0 | 4 |
However, Woodrow has struggled for game time this season, clocking up just 160 minutes of football across eight appearances — an average of just 20 minutes per game.
The experienced forward is not the most prolific striker, so he’s not going to move the needle too much in terms of actual goalscoring, but his holdup play is exactly what Derby have been lacking this season.
When the preferred, more refined passing route to goal isn’t working for the Rams, they have a tendency to send it long, but the ball is coming back just as quickly most of the time.
In away games, where Derby are unable to control possession, having someone like Woodrow to play target man, keep the ball, and bring in his teammates, could be invaluable in helping Warne switch up his tactical approach.