Derby County make Holland, Denmark scouting trips ahead of big summer window

06/05/2024 13:30

Derby County boss Paul Warne has confirmed scouts have been watching games in Holland and Denmark as they prepare for the summer transfer window.

Derby County are heading for the Championship and they’ll be determined to add some fresh faces to their ranks to strengthen the squad.

Paul Warne has build a talented side capable of winning promotion from League One, but the step back up to the second-tier is a big one and new signings will be needed to help them on their return.

The Rams have been pretty restricted in their business in recent seasons. The club have largely relied on loans and free transfers, though they have been able to pay some fees in the past two transfer windows.

All recruits have been domestically-based though, with a branch into potentially fruitful European markets not really viable under their financial plan.

Now though, with Championship football awaiting, Derby County boss Paul Warne has confirmed the club have been casting eyes to the markets of both Holland and Denmark.

While domestic-based free transfers will be looked at, scouts are also looking overseas. Speaking to Derbyshire Live, Warne said:

“We have to look at the free list, really, which everyone else will look at, but the Championship one isn’t out until the end of the month. There are games in Holland that me and my staff are going to, there’s a game in Denmark that we’re going to, to watch these certain players.

“I met a player yesterday, and I’m meeting another player either today or next week.”

A big summer for Derby County

A lot of the current Derby County squad have experience in Championship football. That should stand them in good stead ahead of the second-tier return.

However, fresh faces are a must. Warne will know he can’t afford to rest on his laurels when it comes to strengthening his squad as the Rams look to become established at that level once again.

There may well be departures that leave gaps to be filled too, so the planning for this summer’s recruitment is going have to be meticulous and vast.

A smart move to the overseas market?

Overseas scouting and signings are a bit of a rarity in the EFL. Those in the Championship have the finances and personnel available to do so but costs mean many recruit domestically.

As Derby County rise from League One and see their financial restraints become more lenient, they now have the ability to dip into the European market.

There can be a real bargains overseas and both the Dutch and Danish leagues have been able to bear fruit for English clubs before. While EFL rivals may charge higher fees for players of a similar level, Derby County might just find some bargains as they cast a wider net in their hunt for new signings.

Regardless of where the new signings come in from, the move to look abroad ahead of a big summer is a smart one by the Rams.

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