Derby County are looking to assemble a strong squad to challenge in the Championship and that means parting ways with one ‘fantastic’ talent.
Derby released their retained list on Saturday, announcing that six players would be moving on, including Conor Hourihane, Korey Smith, Martyn Waghorn, Scott Loach, Joe Wildsmith and Dwight Gayle.
The biggest eyebrows were raised over the decision to let Wildsmith depart, after watching him clinch a league-high 20 clean sheets and win the League One Golden Glove.
The 28-year-old was in inspired form towards the back end of the campaign, so his departure was a shock to many, but it demonstrates Paul Warne isn’t afraid to make bold decisions as Derby enters a pivotal transfer window.
Another ruthless choice he could make is letting a player depart Pride Park who only arrived last year, with many deeming him surplus to requirements.
Derby County should let go of Tyrese Fornah
Derby only captured Tyrese Fornah on a permanent deal from rivals Nottingham Forest last year but the midfielder’s future is already up in the air.
The 24-year-old made just nine starts in League One last term, appearing for just 37 minutes on the pitch since the turn of the year.
A mixture of Ebou Adams joining in January and injury troubles meant Fornah was restricted to opportunities in the Rams’ starting lineup, with his place in the squad often being put at risk too.
Fornah was signed from Forest as a back-up to the likes of Hourihane and Max Bird, so his place in the side was never guaranteed.
So, as they make the step up to the Championship, it’s unlikely the “fantastic” ace will be given opportunities to shine in the second tier.
Simply put, he isn’t good enough to hold his own in the midfield and with his contract expiring in 2025, Derby are better off cashing in this summer instead of losing him on a free transfer.
Derby County’s midfield is a priority
Warne said straight after winning promotion that he needs to bolster every single position in his squad however, it’s blatantly obvious that improving his midfield is most important.
With Hourihane and Smith departing upon their contracts expiring and midfield duo Bird and Adams returning to their parent clubs, the Derby boss is left with just academy talents Darren Robinson and Liam Thompson as options in the engine room alongside Fornah.
The Rams are very interested in bringing Adams back to the club, though Cardiff are demanding a fee of £500,000 to consider selling him.
Elsewhere, Derby have also been linked to Herbie Kane and following his release from Barnsley, they could act on their interest.
The 25-year-old plundered nine goals and provided five assists in 41 league appearances, so he could be an ideal replacement for Bird.
Nonetheless, Warne does have his work cut out this summer, but if he can get some business done early, the anxiety of preparing for the Championship will lessen.
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