Derby County manager Paul Warne is actively looking to strengthen his squad ahead of the 2024/25 Championship season.

So far, Derby County has confirmed five new signings this summer, aiming to rebuild after losing several key players. Warne has focused on enhancing his midfield options, bringing in Ben Osborn, Kenzo Goudmijn, David Ozoh, and returning loanee Ebou Adams. These additions significantly revamp a midfield that previously included Conor Hourihane, Korey Smith, and Louie Sibley.

The striker position has also seen significant improvements with the arrivals of Kayden Jackson and Jerry Yates. However, Warne remains unsatisfied with the squad’s current state and is working on additional signings.

Warne recently revealed plans for a sixth summer signing, confirming a scheduled meeting with a potential recruit this week. He told Derbyshire Live, “I have a Zoom call on Tuesday with a player, but I still can’t have him until he’s with the club. Another one is in the pipeline – then there are two, one is ticking along under the surface but that won’t last forever. Another, a loan, is being kept in the building. We have targets who we want to bring in to help the team, but until they’re here, you just never know.”

Warne also highlighted the need for a central defender and a goalkeeper, adding, “We’re short there, and in the attacking end. We’re close, but the later loan deals and the ones you want, you have to wait for.”

Previously, Warne had emphasized the necessity of additional recruits, stating that Derby County still had “a long way to go” in the transfer window.

Pre-season results have underscored these needs, with the Rams losing to Chesterfield and Shrewsbury Town. While pre-season primarily focuses on improving player fitness, these matches revealed the urgent need for a new striker. Derby County has only scored one goal in the last two games, by James Collins, who, at 33, may not provide the consistent scoring needed at this level.

The lack of a reliable goalkeeper remains an issue, with Josh Vickers being the only senior keeper. The recent matches have highlighted the need for a dependable goal scorer and a player with the pace to challenge Championship defenses.