Former France international Adil Rami is on the lookout for a new club this summer after previously being linked with a rather strange move to Derby County.
According to L’equipe, a list of MLS clubs and two from China were rivalling the Rams for centre-back Rami in January as the defender was out of favour at Fenerbahce.
Derby were on the lookout for a new central defender after a series of bizarre events.
First, Richard Keogh’s career at Pride Park was over in September. The former Derby captain participated in a highly-publicised off-field incident.
Summer signing Krystian Bielik then suffered knee ligament damage in January in a game he only featured in for fitness reasons following a three-game suspension.
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Derby were down to the bare bones. Loanee Matt Clarke was recovering from his own injury, while veterans Curtis Davies and Craig Forsyth were plugging the gaps.
A move for 2018 World Cup winner Rami, however, never materialised.
The former Valencia man left Fenerbahce in February and immediately joined FK Sochi. He signed a short-term deal until the end of this past season.
The global health pandemic, however, meant Rami never made a single appearance for the Russian side. Now, he is once again a free agent looking for a new club.
Derby certainly aren’t expected to renew any potential interest in the 34-year-old.
Derby County’s defensive options next season:
Phillip Cocu’s side will head in to next season with Andre Wisdom back from a knife attack while Mike te Wierik will be available after signing a pre-contract deal in January.
The Rams may seek another loan move for Matt Clarke, while Davies activated a 12-month extension to his deal back in January to provide further cover.
Also see: Derby to miss out on freebie target as Championship rivals reportedly close in on deal
Also see: Report: Championship club rivalling Derby for 12-goal forward see ‘substantial’ bid rejected