Derby County has encountered a significant obstacle in their pursuit of one of Paul Warne’s top targets this summer.
Derby County supporters have much to look forward to as they prepare for their return to the Championship. With the season less than three weeks away, the Rams, who face Blackburn Rovers in their opener, will showcase a revamped squad.
Following their promotion, Derby had to release seven first-team players, giving Warne a fresh slate to build from. So far, he has signed Ben Osborn, Kenzo Goudmijn, Jerry Yates, Kayden Jackson, and fan favorite Ebou Adams, with David Ozoh set to join on loan from Crystal Palace.
While significant progress has been made to strengthen their midfield and attack, Warne still needs a goalkeeper to replace Joe Wildsmith. However, Carlton Palmer has raised concerns about one of Derby’s key targets.
Carlton Palmer Highlights a Major ‘Problem’ in Derby County’s Pursuit of Marek Rodak
In their search for a new goalkeeper, Derby has shown interest in Slovakian shot-stopper Marek Rodak, who left Fulham in June. Rodak, who worked with Warne at Rotherham and has extensive Championship experience, seemed a perfect fit. However, Derby faces competition from Burnley and Hull City, with Alan Nixon noting that Rodak’s £15k-a-week wages are a stumbling block. Palmer echoes this sentiment, suggesting that Derby may be deterred by his salary demands.
Speaking to Football League World, Palmer said, “There is a lot of competition for the player who was reported to be earning £15k a week at Fulham. Although he won’t be earning that sort of money, he’ll still be looking for a serious sum and that seems to have put Derby off at present, along with Burnley and Blackburn Rovers. Derby County are tight on wages, and their top earner is believed to be James Collins on £8.5k a week, so they’re likely to be priced out of it.”
Derby Should Shift Focus to Jacob Widell Zetterstrom
Given Rodak’s substantial wages, Derby may need to explore other options. Recently, the Rams submitted a bid for Djurgarden goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterstrom, who has previously attracted interest from Liverpool and Wolves.
Zetterstrom, a one-time Sweden international who debuted against Iceland in 2023, is regarded as one of Europe’s top goalkeeping prospects. Djurgarden’s sporting director, Bosse Andersson, praised Zetterstrom, saying, “He has been the best player in Allsvenskan during the spring, he is a spectacular goalkeeper. I understand that there is talk about Jacob, and there will be talk all summer. We have shown that before, I think. Jacob has been with us for a long time, if there is something that is good for Djurgarden and him, then we will have to consider it. Ideally, we don’t want to sell any player because we have a good team.”
Derby’s success in signing Kenzo Goudmijn from AZ Alkmaar through the foreign market suggests they could find similar value in Zetterstrom, the 26-year-old standout from the Swedish top division.