Derby need to strengthen ahead of the 2024/25 Championship season, and could look to a former Ram for assists from the wing to help.
Derby County lacks goalscorers, midfielders and defensive cover for the next season.
Derby County achieved promotion from League One after a challenging period. However, Paul Warne now confronts the challenge of assembling a side capable of remaining in the second tier in 2024/25.
Warne, who has yet to keep one of his teams from relegation in the league, will need to hit the ground running on his targets in what will be a very busy summer for the former Rotherham boss. Twelve of his present players are out of contract at the end of the season.
| List of Derby County players out of contract 2024 (TransferMarkt) | POS |
|---|---|
| Joe Wildsmith | GK |
| Scott Loach | GK |
| Craig Forsyth | LB |
| Darren Robinson | DM |
| Liam Thompson | CM |
| Conor Hourihane | CM |
| Korey Smith | CM |
| Louie Sibley | AM/LWB |
| Tom Barkhuizen (optional one year extension) | LW |
| Martyn Waghorn | ST |
| Dwight Gayle | ST |
| James Collins | ST |
The Rams want to invest a transfer fee on a permanent deal for the first time since signing Kamil Jóźwiak in September 2020 for approximately €4 million, according to The Athletic. Derby should consider the free agent market and capitalise on players who are expected to be released by their current teams.
Here are my top five predictions for the Rams to help them survive their first season back in the Second Division.
1Jamal Lowe
Jamal Lowe, an AFC Bournemouth striker, spent the 23/24 season on loan at Swansea City. At 29, he is nearing the end of his contract with the Cherries and is unlikely to be offered a new term.
Derby should capitalise on Lowe’s speed and experience, making him a major target for the summer. Derby scored 24 of their 78 goals from set-pieces on their road to promotion. The striker’s physical presence at 6ft might be a challenge for opposing opponents.
Paul Warne had to deal with injuries to all five of his strikers in 2023/24. James Collins, Martyn Waghorn, Conor Washington, Dwight Gayle, and Tyreece John-Jules have spent significant time on the sidelines this season, and Lowe would provide extra depth in this position.
2Lasse Sørensen
In 2024, Lincoln City’s Lasse Sørensen played a crucial role in the Imps’ climb to the top of League One. The 24-year-old Dane was outstanding in the middle of the park for Michael Skubala, whose team nearly lost out on the play-offs on the final day after finishing in 11th position on New Year’s Day.
In a deep-lying role for Lincoln, Sørensen won 81% of tackles and contributed four goals and eight assists as he moved forward with the ball. This aspect of his game will be of great interest to Warne, who may partner him with a returning Ebou Adams or in a new system.
Without a contract renewal, Sørensen may leave Sincil Bank Stadium in the summer, and Pride Park may be a suitable replacement.
3Jack Currie
Jack Currie, the left-back for AFC Wimbledon, has played over 3400 minutes of league football in 2023/24. Currie, who is only 22 years old, has plenty of time to perfect his skills and progress through the divisions before joining the Rams in the Championship.
Derby have struggled to fill the left-back/wing back spot this season, with Louie Sibley shifting from attacking midfield to wide defence near the conclusion of the campaign due to injuries to Craig Forsyth and Callum Elder. Jack Currie would provide Paul Warne all the stats he requires in the position, as well as a player who may enjoy a long and successful career with the club.
Currie, who won 56 tackles in League Two with Wimbledon this year, may provide Derby with defensive solidity and an attacking danger. According to FotMob, he created 33 chances from left-back.
4Malcolm Ebiowei
Crystal Palace’s Malcolm Ebiowei, a familiar figure to Rams supporters, has struggled to adapt in South London since leaving Derby at the end of the 2021/22. Since February, Ebiowei has been settling into his new surroundings in Belgium. However, due to a lack of game time at RWD Molenbeek, the winger’s development has stagnated.
The 20-year-old played 16 Championship games for Derby two seasons ago, and on his day, he had the potential to be the best player in the league with his brilliant feet and dangerous crosses. Ebiowei’s loan to Hull City in 2023 did not pay off, and he is now considering leaving Palace.
A loan agreement with the possibility of a permanent return to his previous club may be the perfect opportunity for the England U20 international to rekindle his career, and with 30,000 fans in the seats at Pride Park, it could be a partnership that benefits both team and player.
5Jonson Clarke-Harris
Jonson Clarke-Harris has had an unusual year at Peterborough United.After coming near to quitting the club at the start of the season, the Jamaican started only 19 league games and scored nine goals.
The striker’s contract expires at the end of June, and Peterborough and Clarke-Harris appear to be parting ways. Derby is one of several clubs interested in signing him for 2024/25.
The 29-year-old would strengthen the Rams’ front line, teaming up with his former coach at Rotherham United in the second level.Derby lacks forwards, thus Clarke-Harris, a proven goalscorer, would be an excellent addition to the team, either as a substitute or starter.
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