The challenge with the transfer window is that Derby County are navigating a market where demand significantly outweighs supply. Securing a number nine is Paul Warne’s top priority as we approach the final week of the window, and the club’s head coach anticipated the question during yesterday’s press conference.
“It’s difficult, to put it mildly,” Warne said at Moor Farm when discussing the situation. “There are different phases of the transfer window, and we’re currently in the ‘extortionate, ridiculous’ phase. But by this time next week, things will calm down again. It’s a tricky situation. There are players we want to sign, but like every other football club, there are players we simply can’t afford—that’s the reality.
“We’re doing everything possible. We still need another midfielder, which is progressing well, and we need to bring in another defender, plus something else in the forward line. We’re competing with other clubs in this league for a limited pool of players.”
“If I told you that you could sign a seven-out-of-10 striker today or gamble on a nine-out-of-10 striker next week, what would you choose? Once they’re in, they’re in. This is the ‘crazy season,’ with fees on top of fees, and agents demanding exorbitant amounts because they hold all the power. It’s murky waters right now, but we’re doing our best to navigate through it.”
Warne is right not to rush a decision that is crucial to Derby’s ambitions this season. However, considering the spending spree of other clubs, he might feel like he’s bringing a water pistol to a gunfight.
Derby are wise to wait, especially if no better options than those already in-house are available. But the big question remains: how long should they wait? The problem is that strikers are in high demand, causing prices to skyrocket. Agents are aware of this and are making outrageous demands, even for loan signings.
Warne mentioned that some agents are now pushing clubs to pay more than the player’s current weekly wage at his parent club. For instance, if a player is earning £8,000, his agent might want the loaning club to pay £12,000 a week. These demands are simply unreasonable for a club like Derby. Warne admitted it was an issue he had never faced before, and while he was diplomatic, you could sense his frustration.
On a positive note, Derby will have Jerry Yates back after his three-match suspension, a detail that was somewhat overshadowed by the transfer frenzy at Moor Farm. Yates, who scored nine goals in the Championship last season, impressed in pre-season and could be a significant threat if selected. Warne commented, “Jerry was excellent in pre-season and gives us a real threat. It’s good to have him back.”
Derby will need to be patient with Yates, but as Warne pointed out, he’s already proven his ability to add tenacity to their attack. His link-up play with Nathaniel Mendez-Laing in a win over Barnsley was a prime example of why he’s at Derby. However, it’s important not to place too much pressure on Yates, even though he exudes the confidence you’d want in a forward.
Whether Warne will start Yates remains uncertain, and there’s also a decision to be made about Jacob Widell Zetterstrom for the upcoming game at Watford. After his move from Djurgarden, the question all week has been whether to start him at Vicarage Road.
The post “I can’t stand the absurd transfer demands from Derby County, as Paul Warne’s admission highlights a significant problem.” appeared first on Check For Me.
