Derby County look like they’re in desperate need of a few more signings before the summer transfer window slams shut.
Derby County fans went into the 2024/25 season quietly optimistic about their chances of Championship survival.
But after the opening day 4-2 defeat vs Blackburn Rovers, it’s quickly become clear that Paul Warne is lacking quality players in his ranks.
Despite signing eight new players, including the impressive Kenzo Goudmijn, the Rams are still in need of some star quality, and some Championship expertise.
On Tuesday night, Derby’s flaws were exposed once again after being forced to come from behind to beat Chesterfield 2-1 in the Carabao Cup.
The summer transfer window slams shut on August 30th. The Rams may look to utilise the loan and maybe even the free agent market before then, but fans want to see some money spent.
Now, a new name has been linked with a possible summer move to Pride Park, and it’s one with bags of Football League experience.
Derby County ‘interested’ in signing Marvin Johnson at Sheffield Wednesday
Craig Forsyth impressed for Derby County against Chesterfield on Tuesday, giving Warne a potential selection headache going into the weekend clash vs Middlesbrough.
Callum Elder is Warne’s other option at left-back. But it’s now claimed that the Rams have an interest in Sheffield Wednesday ace Marvin Johnson.
The 33-year-old has 138 Championship appearances to his name and was a standout player for the Owls last season.
Coming back into contention under Danny Rohl, Johnson went on to score four and assist four more in 29 league appearances.
A left-back, Johnson is more of an attacking-minded defensive player, capable of bombing forward and creating opportunities in attack.
Journalist Darren Witcoop posted on X:
Why Marvin Johnson could be a shrewd capture for Derby County
At 33 years old, Johnson may not seem like such an attractive signing on the surface.
But he showed no signs of slowing down with Sheffield Wednesday last season, getting up and down the flanks and proving to be a real creative outlet.
There were question mark over his defensive abilities. But signing Johnson will give Warne another dimension down the left, allowing him to potentially play a back-five or a back-four, and have a left-sided defender for each set up,
Johnson remains vastly experienced and he’s got a creative touch too, which could prove vital for the Rams this season with the club likely to be up against it in the Championship.
With Oxford United also interested, it could become a bidding war, and Derby won’t want to spend heavily on a player who’s out of contract in 2025.
But if the Rams can get a good deal, it could prove to be a shrewd signing.