Derby County manager Paul Warne has addressed the potential for player departures this summer as he continues to shape his squad for the 2024/25 Championship season. Warne has been busy, securing five new signings to bolster the team following the club’s promotion back to the Championship.
The end of the 2023/24 campaign saw several midfielders, including Conor Hourihane, Corey Smith, and Louie Sibley, leave Pride Park, leaving Warne the task of reinforcing the midfield. He has since brought in Ben Osborn, Kenzo Goudmijn, and former loanee Ebou Adams from Cardiff City to fill the gaps. In addition, attacking options have been strengthened with the acquisitions of Kayden Jackson and Jerry Yates.
After an active summer, Warne is now considering his next moves in the transfer market, which may involve offloading some players.
Paul Warne ‘hints at departures’ for Derby County this summer
Warne has suggested that after the five additions, Derby County might need to let go of some players before the new season begins. Dominic Dietrich wrote on X: “No offers in yet according to Paul Warne but he hints at departures in this window.”
Warne has previously expressed a desire to bring in additional players, but Derby must decide which current squad members to release. With 22 players in the first team, some with limited Championship experience may not see much action this season.
Paul Warne will have difficult decisions to make on two strikers
While Warne has bolstered his attacking options, he faces tough choices regarding strikers James Collins and Conor Washington, who may struggle to make a significant impact in the Championship. Collins scored just three goals in 26 matches for Cardiff City in the 2021/22 season, and Washington netted five goals in the same season with Rotherham United under Warne.
Both strikers, now past their prime, have typically excelled in the lower EFL leagues. Warne might consider offloading them, especially since he has indicated that the front line could be strengthened further.
