Football League World
·27 July 2024
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·27 July 2024
FLW looks at two transfer sagas involving Derby County that could be long-running this summer.
Derby County have been extremely busy in the summer transfer window so far.
Firstly, the Rams were keen on quickly making their loan deal for Corey Blackett-Taylor a permanent one, as he signed a three-year contract at Pride Park, having arrived from Charlton Athletic. Then, it was experienced midfielder, Ben Osborn, to sign for Paul Warne's side, having agreed terms with his hometown club.
Strikers Kayden Jackson (Permanent) and Jerry Yates (Loan) were the next fresh faces through the door, adding to Warne's strength in depth in attacking areas.
Finally, midfielders Kenzo Goudmijn and Ebou Adams put pen to paper at Pride Park to join this promising Derby County squad ahead of the 2024/25 Championship campaign. Adams was on loan at Derby last season from Cardiff City, and he helped them achieve promotion from the third tier.
The second tier could prove to be a really tough test for the Rams, but their squad is shaping up nicely, and they could be set for an intriguing campaign. Paul Warne is far from finished in the transfer window though, as his side remains to be linked with several players.
He will be glad that he managed to get a number of fresh faces through the door already, as he can now be patient about any other potential incoming deals.
Today, Football League World discusses two potential transfer deals involving Derby that could last right up until the final day of the summer window.
Understandably, Karamoko Dembélé is a name that has garnered a lot of interest this summer after his antics at Blackpool last season. While on loan with the League One club, the 21-year-old scored eight goals and assisted 13 in just 29 league starts, and became a popular figure at Bloomfield Road.
As much as Blackpool would have loved to have kept him around, it is inevitable that he will be playing at a higher level than League One next season. He is currently on the books at Ligue 1 club Brest, who will most likely be looking to sell him this summer, as multiple Championship clubs appear keen to secure his services.
Derby County are one of those second-tier clubs said to be interested in Dembélé, with journalist Darren Witcoop reporting that the Rams, Sheffield Wednesday and Portsmouth have all made offers for the winger.
Brest will be in no rush this summer as they will be looking to make sure they get the best possible deal for the 21-year-old. This transfer saga could certainly take its time, but it will be worth being patient from a Derby perspective.
His goal contributions for Blackpool last season speak for themselves, so it is only a matter of time until he does the same in the Championship.
Another star on loan in League One last season, John McAtee, looks set for departure from Luton Town this summer. Last season, he was one of Barnsley's most important players while on loan at Oakwell, as he scored 12 goals and assisted four in 31 league starts.
The forward is very versatile and could be exactly what Derby need this summer, but like Dembele, it will be no easy pursuit. According to HITC, Derby, as well as Wrexham, Plymouth Argyle, Blackburn Rovers, Millwall, Portsmouth and Bolton Wanderers are all eyeing up the 24-year-old.
It is a similar situation to that of Karamoko Dembele's at Brest. Luton Town will be holding out for the best possible deal for their player, so the transfer race could go the distance this summer.
McAtee has appeared for Luton in pre-season so far, but with the Hatters having plenty of forward options, the 24-year-old finds himself low down the pecking order. He would be a fantastic signing for Derby as they look to finish strong in the Championship next season.
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