Derby County have been very active in the summer transfer window, making significant moves to strengthen their squad.
The Rams kicked off their transfer activity by converting Corey Blackett-Taylor’s loan from Charlton Athletic into a permanent deal, signing him to a three-year contract at Pride Park. Following that, experienced midfielder Ben Osborn joined Paul Warne’s side, bringing his skills to his hometown club.
Next, strikers Kayden Jackson and Jerry Yates were added to bolster Derby’s attacking options, with Jackson arriving on a permanent deal and Yates on loan. The midfield was further reinforced with the signings of Kenzo Goudmijn and Ebou Adams. Adams, who was on loan from Cardiff City last season, played a key role in Derby’s promotion from the third tier.
As Derby prepares for the 2024/25 Championship season, their squad is shaping up well, though the second tier will be a tough challenge. Manager Paul Warne isn’t finished with the transfer window yet, as the club continues to be linked with several potential signings.
Warne can afford to be patient with future deals, having already secured several key additions. Today, Football League World discusses two potential transfers that could extend until the final day of the summer window.
Karamoko Dembélé
Karamoko Dembélé is a hot prospect this summer after his impressive stint at Blackpool last season, where he scored eight goals and provided 13 assists in 29 league starts. Despite Blackpool’s desire to keep him, Dembélé is expected to play at a higher level next season. Currently with Ligue 1 club Brest, Dembélé is attracting interest from multiple Championship clubs, including Derby County.
Journalist Darren Witcoop reports that Derby, Sheffield Wednesday, and Portsmouth have all made offers for the winger. Brest will likely take their time to ensure they get the best deal for the 21-year-old, so this transfer saga could extend throughout the summer. From Derby’s perspective, Dembélé’s contributions last season make him worth the wait, as his impact in the Championship could be significant.
John McAtee
John McAtee, another standout in League One last season, appears set to leave Luton Town this summer. While on loan at Barnsley, McAtee scored 12 goals and provided four assists in 31 league starts, proving to be a versatile forward.
According to HITC, Derby is among several clubs, including Wrexham, Plymouth Argyle, Blackburn Rovers, Millwall, Portsmouth, and Bolton Wanderers, interested in McAtee. Similar to Dembélé’s situation, Luton Town will aim to secure the best deal for McAtee, potentially making this a drawn-out transfer race.
McAtee has participated in Luton’s pre-season, but with numerous forward options at the club, he finds himself lower in the pecking order. His signing would be a great addition for Derby as they aim to perform strongly in the Championship next season.
With the transfer window still open, Derby County’s squad is evolving, and further additions could bolster their chances for the upcoming season.