Derby County had a busy transfer window, signing 11 players, but missing out on a striker as deadline day passed.
Head coach Paul Warne wanted a number nine, but deals were either too expensive or players preferred to stay and fight for their place at their parent clubs. Despite this, fans continue to debate where Derby should look next with the January transfer market still open.
A striker may be on Derby’s shopping list again, as the club considers their alternatives in their first season back in the second division. And the European market may not be out of the question, given that they plundered Sweden for Jacob Widell Zetterstrom and the Netherlands for Kenzo Goudmijn.
Both of those players made significant contributions to the weekend victory over Bristol City, demonstrating that value can be found outside of England in terms of talent. It is something the team will continue to look into, and one fan claims there are international players in the roster who can aid.
Here’s what DerbyshireLive fans had to say about where the club should be aiming its players, considering some of the demands this summer that have resulted in big amounts stated.
Modram: “I think the European market is the way to go to get the quality to improve us at sensible prices. I wouldn’t be keen on too many more African internationals though, unless they’re really good, because of the bi-annual African Cup Of Nations. Really happy to see DCFC building for the future sensibly.”
Beaufort1: “I’m encouraged by the fact that we signed players from Holland and Sweden, an indication that we are now exploring markets further afield. If agents in the UK (some of whom are foreign based) are making ridiculous demands then it’s difficult to see that not becoming the norm everywhere. There is so much money sloshing around the top flight that prices being quoted to English clubs in general must reflect the madness of what they are prepared to pay. Even Championship clubs with parachute payments and mega-rich owners are paying eye-watering fees and we are wise not to get into that game.”
Grabbags: “Another reason why shopping abroad is generally more successful – it’s where the PL go fishing. We have international players that can act as a scout and suggest strikers they’ve come up against (and other players). Ebou Adams plays for Gambia; Ryan Nyambe, Namibia; Nat M-Laing, Guatemala, tournaments they play in. Jacob Widell Zetterström will know the best Swedish footballers our scouts have never heard of; similarly Kenzo Goudmijn the Dutch players. Sit them down and have a chat. Even Dajaune Brown might have seen a diamond while at Gateshead. If the scouts and statisticians concentrated solely on those areas instead of players that can’t command a place in the English leagues and only sign between 10.50 and 11pm on transfer deadline day, maybe they’d get lucky, because they are there.”
MK Ram: “This new tactic of agents/players wanting to be paid higher wages whilst on loan will be here to stay now I’m sure. Every agent will be posing that question in January.”