After the imminent arrival of Ebou Adams, Paul Warne has another transfer predicament on his hands.
Derby County have shown plenty of optimism so far in the summer transfer window ahead of the 2024/25 Championship season.
Improving all across the board was a necessity for Paul Warne, who lost big names from last season’s promotion winning side.
Conor Hourihane and Korey Smith departed Pride Park alongside fellow midfielders Louie Sibley and Max Bird this summer, leaving Warne with a huge task of rebuilding the centre of the park.
Ever since, Warne has prioritised midfield signings with the arrival of Kenzo Goudmijn and the expected signing of Ebou Adams for £900,000.
The attacking additions of Kayden Jackson and Jerry Yates have also added proven Championship goal scoring ability to Derby County, but Warne has suggested he may still make more signings in attack.
There is still one position still looks in desperate need of additions, something that Warne should undoubtedly prioritise as his next summer signing.
Paul Warne must prioritise a goalkeeper signing ahead of the Championship season
With Joe Wildsmith departing Derbyshire, Warne must prioritise replacing Derby County’s No1 shot-stopper across the last two League One seasons.
That leaves just Josh Vickers as the only first-team goalkeeper in the squad, who played both halves in Derby County’s pre-season victory away at Matlock Town.
Options of players within Derby County’s youth ranks are also incredibly scarce, with most notable youth goalkeeper Harry Evans’ experience not stretching much beyond youth football.
Warne must target a goalkeeper early on this window in order to give time to any new shot-stopper to settle into the team ahead of the new season.
Would Josh Vickers be an adequate Championship goalkeeper
Vickers’ Championship experience is very limited, with the Englishman having just three appearances in the league across his entire career.
He has, however, proven himself as a safe pair of hands in both League One and League Two.
Vickers was also a solid goalkeeper during the 2023/24 campaign when called upon for Derby County, after he conceded just six goals in seven matches.
As a back-up goalkeeper, Vickers is perfect for Derby County, with him having years of EFL experience behind him and the ability to step in and perform at any level.
However, Warne must be looking to bring in a first-team goalkeeper to replace Wildsmith, who has signed for West Brom.
Warne has previously said that ‘a goalkeeper or two’ must be added to their side, however this has to take priority now for Warne.
Wildsmith will be difficult for Derby County to replace, and it is something that will take time and effort for Warne to find a suitable replacement.