Derby County are still looking to add to their side ahead of the 2024/25 Championship season.
With a Friday night fixture just around the corner in Derby County’s first show-off in the 2024/25 Championship campaign, worries still linger on how ready Paul Warne’s squad are for the challenge.
Pre-season has been unkind for Warne’s side, with the Rams suffering defeat in all of the final three friendly bouts, conceding 12 goals in just four matches.
Signings have been made across the board, from Warne congesting the midfield with talents such as Ben Osborn, Kenzo Goudmijn, David Ozoh and the return of Ebou Adams, as well as the attacking arrivals of Kayden Jackson and Jerry Yates, although the former Rotherham United boss is looking to further bolster his striker options.
Signings in defence have been limited this summer, and there are alarm bells ringing for recruits to be brought in following the worrying injury to Jake Rooney, leaving Warne to have some frank discussion on where they are with defensive arrivals.
Paul Warne makes strong ‘competition’ verdict on defensive signings
Pre-season has shown a need for Warne to bring defenders in this season, with the back-line being a carbon copy of the one that won promotion to the Championship in the 2023/24 campaign.
When quizzed about any centre-backs coming through the doors at Pride Park, per Dominic Dietrich on X, he said: “There isn’t a player that he thinks is affordable and available that’s better than what they’ve got currently.
“I want someone to come in and smoke the three I’ve got in the nicest possible sense. Competition is what you want.”
Derby County’s current defensive ranks include Eiran Cashin, Curtis Nelson, Sonny Bradley and the injured Rooney.
Does Derby County’s defensive comfortably meet Championship standards
The injury of Rooney is a massive blow, especially as he was set to come back following a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
His absence will be notable this season, especially with just three traditional centre-backs available following his injury.
Warne makes it clear that he won’t add to his ranks unnecessarily, but rather bring someone in who is ‘better than what they’ve got currently’, however the defence is ultimately crying out for extra back-up.
Cashin is a solid defender for this level, and will certainly be one who Derby County can rely on, despite being 22-years-old, also Nelson and Bradley’s Championship experience will prove to be pivotal for Warne’s side.
However, Warne can’t underestimate the need for depth alone, even if there are no players available that drastically improve his side, something that Derby County must prioritise in the off-chance they get into muddy waters surrounding injuries.
