Renowned pundit Carlton Palmer is of the firm belief that if Derby County were to secure the services of the out-of-contract goalkeeper Mathew Ryan this summer, it would speak volumes about their ambitions.

The Australian international is nearing the end of his contract with Eredivisie outfit AZ Alkmaar, set to become a free agent by the end of June. Recent reports suggest that Ryan is poised to part ways with his current Dutch club.

Moreover, speculation surfaced in May indicating that Ryan has no intentions of prolonging his stay in the Netherlands, with sources now suggesting that Derby County could emerge as the frontrunners to clinch the signing of the former Arsenal shot-stopper.

In an exclusive interview with Football League World, Carlton Palmer expressed his excitement at the prospect of Ryan donning the Derby kit. He emphasized the significance of reinforcing the team’s goalkeeping department, especially with only one senior goalkeeper, Josh Vickers, currently on the roster.

Palmer lauded Ryan’s credentials, highlighting his extensive experience in the Premier League, significant international caps, and his globetrotting journey across various top clubs in Europe. He underlined the importance of having a seasoned goalkeeper like Ryan as Derby County gears up for the challenges of the Championship.

As the Rams face a shortage in the goalkeeping department due to retirements and departures, acquiring a talent of Ryan’s caliber has become a top priority for manager Paul Warne. With an impressive track record at clubs like Real Sociedad, FC Copenhagen, Valencia, and Club Brugge, Ryan’s potential arrival promises to bolster Derby’s squad significantly.

Should Derby County manage to secure Mathew Ryan’s signature, it would not only be a stellar acquisition but also a definitive statement of intent as they seek to make a strong impact in the Championship following their recent promotion. Fans and pundits alike eagerly await to see how this potential deal unfolds.

Ryan’s 13 clean sheets in the previous Dutch top-flight season were surpassed by only 5.4% of Eredivisie goalkeepers. His zero errors resulting in goals highlight his dependable goalkeeping skills, making him a solid choice for the Rams.

Securing a deal for the Socceroos star could prove to be a significant move for Derby in the Championship transfer window. It would be considered one of the standout achievements, offering Warne’s County side a reliable foundation to build their team upon.