Conor Washington stays: 2 regrets that Derby County should have following summer transfer window | OneFootball

The Rams had an excellent summer, but may have wanted to have off-loaded one of their forwards, while they may need more cover at left-back.

Derby County had an excellent summer transfer window, signing 11 new players, while holding onto their key stars in the process.

The Rams' only permanent outgoings came at the start of the window, as seven of the club's promotion heroes left following the expiration of their contracts.

Darren Robinson and Tyrese Fornah were sent out on loan in August to Hartlepool United and Salford City respectively, with Paul Warne keeping hold of his talented young striker Dajaune Brown, despite many expecting him to go out on loan for the season.

Nevertheless, supporters may have fears surrounding the left-back position if injuries do occur, while many would not have been disappointed to have seen one of Derby's fringe players leave the club at some point during the transfer window.

Football League World has taken a look at two of the biggest regrets Warne's team may have had following this summer.

Conor Washington only joined the Rams last season, signing a two-year deal at Pride Park, re-uniting with his former manager from Rotherham United.

Despite a decent start for the Northern Ireland international, an ankle injury while away with his national team caused him to miss nearly half the season. When he came back into the team, he struggled to get among the goals.

So far, in 2024/25, Washington has found his involvement extremely limited, failing to come off the bench in Derby's two Carabao Cup ties, while he has not even made the matchday squad in the Championship.

This could have been predicted, after the 32-year-old was left playing a secondary role in pre-season.

The additions of Kayden Jackson and Jerry Yates have pushed Washington further away from the starting XI, and with Brown staying at the Rams until at least January, he looks to be fifth choice, behind James Collins as well.

Warne may regret not sending the ex-Rotherham striker out on loan or even selling him, as it was revealed by the manager that the team do not have space for any free agents.

Washington's goal scoring record is not the greatest, and at 32, he is only getting further away from his prime. It may have been the best situation for all parties if he was moved on this summer.

Failing to bring in left-back cover

Derby's impressive start at home this season has been built on a solid defence, with Callum Elder in particular a stand-out.

However, the Australian suffered multiple injury setbacks last season and there could be a worry that these could reoccur at any point in the current campaign.

If he does find himself on the sidelines for an extended period of time, then the Rams have just Craig Forsyth available to cover that position, but he has also had issues with fitness over the past year.

With Louie Sibley gone, it may have come as a shock to supporters that a left-back did not seem to be targeted at all this summer, and this could come back to bite them if things take a turn for the worse.

If injuries do persist, then Derby could be in danger of having to play somebody out of position as cover for potentially a long time, or they may be forced to promote a youngster from the under-21's.