Derby County is gearing up to strengthen their squad for the upcoming Championship season this summer.
Stephen Pearce, Derby’s chief, pledged funds to Paul Warne if he achieved promotion, which he did by securing second place in League One.
Warne faces a substantial task in the transfer window to prepare his team for the challenges of second-tier football. Besides addressing the futures of 12 players whose contracts are expiring, he must enhance nearly every position in the squad with top-quality players.
Although this is a daunting task given the complexities of the transfer market, the club has identified specific targets.
Derby County’s main transfer priorities include securing Ebou Adams permanently. The 28-year-old impressed while on loan from Cardiff City, with Derby recently having a £250,000 bid rejected for him.
Cardiff manager Erol Bulut indicated openness to discussing Adams’ future but commended his performances at Pride Park.
Additionally, Warne aims to bolster his attacking options as Derby had the second-lowest goal tally among top-six teams last season. While they are likely to extend top scorer James Collins’ contract, a long-term replacement for the 33-year-old is being considered.
The team also requires depth on the wings and a defender to challenge Eiran Cashin and Curtis Nelson, with a Championship standout emerging as a potential option.
Derby County should move forcs Brendan Galloway
Central defence is arguably Derby’s strongest position on paper. Nelson and Cashin were colossal as a duo and helped the Rams keep a league-high 20 clean sheets.
Including conceding the fewest goals in League One (37), bolstering his defence for starters isn’t a priority, but capturing Brendan Galloway from Plymouth Argyle would add solid depth to their ranks.
A left-sided ball-playing defender by trade, Galloway has enjoyed a fine season at the Pilgrims, appearing 25 times in the Championship.
The former Everton academy graduate is comfortable at carrying the ball out of defence and would offer Warne positional versatility.
Galloway is capable of slotting into left back or as a left midfielder in a 3-5-2, depending on what system the manager deploys.
Although he’s suffered his fair share of injury problems, which is what Derby supporters won’t want to hear, he does rank impressively against his position peers in the Championship.
| Brendan Galloway Championship 23/24 per 90 stats | Statistics / Percentile rank |
| Progressive passes received | 1.43 / Top 2% |
| Tackles | 2.18 / Top 6% |
| Interceptions | 1.72 / Top 11% |
| Blocks | 1.49 / Top 18% |
| Clearances | 4.59 / Top 28% |
Galloway has thrived as a defensive powerhouse in a team fighting relegation, earning “special” accolades from former Everton boss Roberto Martinez for his progress.
Without a doubt, Derby should rush to sign the 28-year-old for free, especially if Plymouth faces relegation to League One today.
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