Paul Warne has been busy bolstering his squad options for the season ahead, which will see the Rams return to the Championship.
With a step up in quality expected, there needs to be some changes in the players available to the Derby boss for the campaign.
Ben Osborn, Kayden Jackson, Jerry Yates and Kenzo Goudmijn were the first four through the door in big changes to the midfield and forward lines.
The fifth and latest addition at Pride Park is Ebou Adams, who joins permanently after an impressive loan spell from Cardiff City in the second half of last season.
It means that the window so far is shaping up well for Derby, but there’s still lots of work to do before the opening match against Blackburn.
Next up, Warne will have to focus on the goalkeeping ranks as a priority, following some key exits over the summer.
Derby must sign Ipswich Town goalkeeper Christian Walton
With an exit for Joe Wildsmith confirmed this summer, following the expiration of his contract at Moor Farm, attention turns to a new goalkeeping option.
Josh Vickers has been a capable shot-stopper, but will naturally need competition, while Scott Loach’s retirement means there’s another space in the goalkeeping ranks available.
Derby may search high and low for the perfect option, though that player may well be a double promotion winner.
Ipswich Town’s Christian Walton would be the perfect choice to sign this summer for the Rams.
The 28-year-old currently has one year remaining on his deal at Portman Road after a rollercoaster few years at the club.
His arrival from Brighton in 2021 saw him become the first-choice glovesman swiftly, showing off his ability on and off the ball.
However, as injury hit, he was unable to take the number one shirt off of Vaclav Hladky last season, following some impressive displays.
While Hladky has now moved on from Ipswich, their recent signing of Arijanet Muric from Burnley suggests Walton won’t be back as the number-one choice.
That may lead to a move, which Derby could pounce upon.
Kieran McKenna praise for Christian Walton
A move for Walton makes sense for all parties, given his likely desire to earn more game time that would be readily available at Derby.
There is also a connection in the squad already, with new signing Jackson knowing him from their time spent at Ipswich.
If anyone needs convincing of Walton’s quality, then Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna has already heaped praise on him during his time at the club.
Speaking in a press conference in 2022, McKenna said: “He’s a fantastic goalkeeper and really humble professional. I firmly believe he’s got scope to keep improving.
“He’s signed for the Club at an age where he can climb and he has the potential to go much, much higher in his career. That potential is shared with the Football Club.
“I think he’s in the right place, in the right team working with a really, really good goalkeeper coach. Rene [Gilmartin, head goalkeeping coach] has built a really good rapport and trust with him.
“They’ve got a fantastic relationship off the pitch that is helping Christian to develop.
“Beyond that, the credit has to go to Christian for how he applies himself and how he’s given himself the best chance to make the most of his career.”
