Newly promoted Championship side Derby County are looking to improve their attacking options ahead of the upcoming season as they battle Birmingham City for Karamoko Dembélé.
Derby finished second in League One last season with 92 points which helped them clinch automatic promotion. Upon their return to the second tier, changes may need to be made to match the quality of their competitors.
Paul Warne’s side would often set up with a three-at-the-back system as seen throughout last season and in pre-season. This is similar to how Blackpool played last season, suggesting the youngster could be a great fit. Dembélé did operate in the centre but also in a more attacking role as a playmaker, playing off the striker.
So far in the transfer market, the Rams have predominantly focused on midfielders, an area that needed strengthening. Ebou Adams has joined from Cardiff City as he looks to get game time after a successful loan stint at Pride Park last season. Furthermore, Kenzo Goudmijn has arrived from Dutch side AZ Alkmaar. Furthermore, Ben Osborn has signed from Sheffield United as a free agent, while David Ozoh has moved to Derbyshire on a season-long loan from Crystal Place.
The focus on midfielders may have been a result of many outgoings in the position. Examples of this include Louie Sibley, Korey Smith and Conor Hourihane. Now, Dembélé has been linked with a move to Pride Park and is said to be a prime target. The attacker was a pivotal part of Blackpool’s squad last season as he played 39 times and recorded 22 goal contributions in all competitions for the Lancashire club. Despite returning to Brest after the loan he will now look to build on the momentum with a move permanently into English Football.
Journalist Alan Nixon has released a report claiming that Derby County are hoping to do a deal with Stade Bretois and beat Birmingham City to the signing of the youngster following his impressive displays in League One last season.
Dembélé is said to ideally want a Championship move despite several League One sides trying for him. However, the attraction of playing with his brother, Siriki Dembele, may be a key factor if he decides to move to St Andrew’s.
Writer’s View
Overall, this would be a great move for Derby County as they look to equip themselves for their opening-day clash against Blackburn Rovers. Dembélé proven his talents throughout his loan spell with Blackpool and his versatility could be important for the Rams as well as his experience in a similar system as the one that Warne deploys.
However, the competition they face could also be important in where the 21-year-old goes. Birmingham City have had an ambitious transfer window so far, adding many new faces as they look to go straight back up to the second division. With his brother also playing for the Blues, perhaps the West Midlands side could be triumphant in the race for his signature.
