Rams Review blogger Elliott gives his thoughts on Derby County and what free agents could potential fit in with the Rams Rebuild.
How exciting to be a Derby fan again! Since Derby's takeover by David Clowes, The Rams have had 11 new arrivals, which has been very much needed. The squad now looks well stocked in most positions with some areas such as centre-back not needing anymore attention. Derby do appear to have brought in most of their top targets in early, which is always ideal so they can gel and have some time playing together before the games start in earnest.
The next most important question is ‘who next?’ Let’s take a look at some options of free agents who could be potential signings for The Rams.
Goalkeeper:
Alex Smithies (Age 32): Formally of Cardiff, Huddersfield and QPR may be a smart choice for Derby. He is a championship veteran and would be a very solid signing at League One level. Both of Derby's recent goalkeeper signings (Joe Wildsmith and Scott Loach) don’t appear as if they’ are for the number one spot, so you would expect another goalkeeper to arrive.
Ørjan Nyalnd (age 31) previously played for Aston Villa and Reading and Jamaal Blackman (age 28), previously of LAFC, Sheffield United and Huddersfield could be other options.
Defence:
As I previously mentioned the centre-back spots are now full. The left back spot is taking shape with Craig Forsyth a new deal (Haydon Roberts is more than likely the LB backup). Which only leaves one right back spot left to fill after Derby signed Kwaku Oduroh. Ryan Nyambe, 24, was released by Blackburn Rovers where he played 30 Championship games last season.
Other free agent right backs of note are Cyrus Christie (Fulham), Tommy Smith (Stoke), Martin Kelly (Crystal Palace) and Carl Jenkinson (Nottingham Forest).
Midfield:
The midfield position again appears to be well stocked, but there is talk of Dale Stephens joining on a free transfer following his release at Burnley. If Derby were to opt to play a 4-3-3 this would make sense and give them lots of options and rotation in those positions.
Wingers:
Josh Murphy, 27, was released from Cardiff City and would bridge the gap between youth and experience in Derby's squad. He has 24 goals and 26 assists in 199 Championship games but only played in 12 Championship games last season. There is no doubt he would want to play regularly and get settled down at a club, perhaps Derby is what he needs?
Jérémie Bela, 29, has been released from Birmingham City. He played 31 games last season for The Blue, scoring twice and he also chipped in with five assists.
Whatever way Derby do go in the transfer market, its undoubted that they need more depth in wide positions.
Striker:
Derby have made two solid signings in this position already in David McGoldrick and James Collins, but they may look for a third to add depth in such a crucial position. This would allow Jack Stretton and Bartosz Cybulski to continue their development in the U21's or out on loan. They both missed out on regular mintues last season, and you would hate to see their progression to get stymied.
Nouha Dicko, 30, may be an option. He has 18 goals in 24 games and has experience of playing in the Championship. Connor Wickham, 29, has been linked with a move to club before, could be an option and if he can stay fit, he's sure to be a good player to have in League One. Also, former Everton forward Oumar Niasse, 32, could also fill the gap.
This one might be a bit controversial, but Lewis Grabban, 34, could be a good signing for Derby in League One. He scored 12 goals last season for Nottingham Forest and would definitely help any team looking to seek promotion.
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