Derby County faces an upcoming challenge without a goalkeeper as they gear up to kick off their Championship campaign against Blackburn Rovers this Friday.
Despite finishing second in League One last season, the team still has vacant spots to fill in the transfer market, particularly the crucial goalkeeper position left vacant by Joe Wildsmith’s departure to West Brom.
The Rams aim to secure Jacob Widell Zetterstrom as their preferred choice, but complications arising from Djurgarden’s involvement in the Europa Conference League qualifiers have delayed the potential move. Meanwhile, Josh Vickers is likely to step into the goalkeeping role at Ewood Park as Derby navigates this situation.
Manager Paul Warne remains focused on bolstering the squad further, expressing challenges in securing new signings within tight timelines. He acknowledged the competitive landscape, mentioning ongoing discussions with other clubs for potential additions.
Warne highlighted the importance of reinforcing the front line and adding a center-back with pace to enhance the team’s capabilities. However, he acknowledged the complexities of the current transfer market, drawing parallels to a challenging house-buying process where external factors can disrupt progress.
Reflecting on a recent meeting with fellow EFL managers, Warne noted a common struggle with player demands for higher wages. He emphasized the impact of events like the Euros and international tours on complicating transfer negotiations, underscoring the need for patience as they navigate these obstacles.
