Derby have brought in six new players to their squad this summer, predominantly focusing on midfield and attack.
The Rams have captured Kenzo Goudmijn, Ebou Adams, David Ozoh and Ben Osborn as midfield options, while Kayden Jackson and Jerry Yates were signed in attack.
Although players have been added to Paul Warne’s squad, there are still concerns over their ability to score goals and it’s even claimed that signing a striker – or more attackers – could make ‘the difference’.
It’s a priority for Warne in the coming weeks to address these concerns and sign some attacking talent, which could see him invest in the loan market.
Derby County should hijack Oxford United’s move for Malcolm Ebiowei
According to the South London Press, Oxford United want to sign winger Malcolm Ebiowei from Crystal Palace.
The Championship newcomers are reportedly interested in taking in the 20-year-old on loan to bolster their attacking options.
Supporters of Derby will remember Ebiowei as he was signed for the Rams in 2021, where he made 16 appearances in the Championship in 2021/22, scoring once before being snapped up by the Eagles on a free transfer.
The fleet-footed winger has since struggled to break into the first team at Selhurst Park and he didn’t fare much better in his last two loan spells at Hull City (2022/23) and RWD Molenbeek (2023/24).
Ebiowei only produced one assist in a combined 17 appearances across both clubs, with the youngster failing to find his feet.
Previously dubbed ‘outstanding’ by former Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson in January, the Englishman is undoubtedly talented and he should snub Oxford in favour of a return to his former club Derby.
Warne can replicate Mendez-Laing success with Ebiowei
One of the most important signings in the club’s recent history was capturing Nathaniel Mendez-Laing.
Signed on a free transfer in July 2022 following their relegation from the Championship, Mendez-Laing arrived low on confidence after an inconsistent spell at Sheffield Wednesday.
The electric winger produced just five goal contributions in 18 League One appearances and needed a fresh start, something Derby would provide him.
With the unwavering support of Warne, who idolised him as a player and still does, Mendez-Laing fired a respectable seven goals and eight assists in his first campaign as Derby narrowly missed out on the playoffs.
In his second, he would reach even greater heights, plundering nine goals and 16 assists in the league, with the Rams recording a second-place finish.
Dubbed as the ‘perfect’ player by Warne, the Guatemalan elevated his qualities to new heights at Pride Park and that is largely down to the manager, who can perform similar miracles with Ebiowei.
