Derby County’s transfer business is far from over as they gear up for the upcoming season set to kick off against Blackburn on August 9th.

The pursuit of Swedish goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterstrom is steadily advancing, aiming to address the gap left by Joe Wildsmith’s departure at the end of the previous season.

Should Zetterstrom finalize his move, he would become the seventh signing for the club. However, there remain several positions that head coach Paul Warne would like to reinforce. While a goalkeeper acquisition is imminent, the question arises: what should Derby’s next priority be in the transfer market?

Some advocate for securing a creative midfielder next, while others highlight the need for a left-back or a pacey centre-back. Leigh Curtis, Derbyshire Live’s Rams writer, and Richard Cusack, a devoted Rams fan and editor, deliberate on the best course of action for Derby in the ongoing transfer proceedings.

Curtis emphasizes the pressing need for a reliable number nine, a quest that has persisted since the previous season. The club is yet to find a striker capable of spearheading the attack consistently, with established options posing concerns. Curtis points out the importance of landing a top-notch striker, highlighting the competitive market and the challenges in securing a quality forward within budget constraints.

He acknowledges the difficulty in identifying the right candidate and suggests exploring loan deals from the Premier League or scouting promising talents, although competition for such players is fierce. Curtis stresses that Derby must prioritize goal-scoring prowess, recognizing that success in a highly competitive league hinges on the ability to convert chances effectively.

In summary, Derby’s foremost objective should be securing a proficient number nine to bolster their attacking prowess and competitiveness in a challenging division where goals can make all the difference in achieving success.

In anticipation of solving the goalkeeping vacancy, Jacob Widell Zetterstrom is expected to step in post his Djurgardens stint. Derby’s lineup boasts Corey Blackett-Taylor and Nathaniel Mendez-Laing on the wings, promising an exciting duo. Kenzo Goudmijn adds a creative spark in midfield, setting up scoring opportunities. However, the concern lies in goal scoring with aging James Collins and Conor Washington’s inconsistency. The search for a reliable striker remains the top priority for Derby County as the transfer window nears its close, acknowledging the scarcity of top-notch forwards.