Derby County is gearing up for their return to the Championship after a two-year absence, having secured second place in League One and earning automatic promotion.
The team has boasted a formidable squad for League One, including players with Championship experience like Sonny Bradley and Callum Elder, as well as former Premier League talents such as Dwight Gayle and Conor Hourihane. However, these players, despite their skill, are aging, and injuries, particularly in the attacking department, have left Derby struggling at times.
As they prepare for the challenges of a higher division next season, manager Paul Warne may turn to a familiar face to inject some freshness into the frontline and bolster their chances of survival.
Freddie Ladapo, Warne’s former top striker at Rotherham, is being considered for a return. Ladapo’s reliability during his tenure at the New York Stadium, where he scored 41 goals in 123 appearances, including a season in the Championship, makes him an appealing option. His attributes of pace, power, and experience could provide much-needed reinforcement to Derby’s attack.
At 31 years old, Ladapo brings a wealth of EFL experience, having played for various clubs including Shrewsbury Town, Plymouth Argyle, Southend United, and Oldham Athletic. His consistent availability and vast number of career appearances make him a viable target for Warne, especially given Derby’s injury woes this season.
Injuries have plagued Derby’s striking options throughout the campaign, with mainstays like James Collins, Martyn Waghorn, and Dwight Gayle spending significant time sidelined. While players like Nathaniel Mendez-Laing have stepped up admirably, their ages raise questions about their longevity. Ladapo’s potential availability on a reasonable transfer fee, coupled with Derby’s financial constraints and need for firepower, makes him an attractive prospect.
With Ladapo’s familiarity with Warne’s style and tactics, his signing could provide the consistency and reliability that Derby craves as they aim to establish themselves in the Championship once again. While Ladapo may not significantly lower the average age of Derby’s frontline, his addition could prove to be a shrewd move as they seek to navigate the challenges of their upcoming campaign.
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