Derby sealed automatic promotion back to the Championship yesterday after defeating Carlisle United 2-0 at Pride Park.
Paul Warne’s team finished second with 92 points and conceded only 37 goals, the fewest in the division.
That positions them well for the step up to the second flight, and a busy summer transfer market is anticipated, with 15 players out of contract.
The Rams have a lot of work to do this summer to prepare for their move to the Championship level.
Many players are expected to leave on free transfers at the end of their contracts, so club managers must have a list of targets ready.
Joe Wildsmith and Conor Hourihane are two vital players who are out of contract, but with promotion secured, surely the club can extend their time in the East Midlands.
Max Bird played his final Derby match yesterday, and he will return to Bristol City after his loan stay.
Bird will be a major loss for The Rams but it seems they’ve already identified a replacement for the academy graduate.
According to Glasgow World, Derby are interested in signing Bosun Lawal, who enjoyed an outstanding loan spell with Fleetwood Town this term.
The ‘unbelievable’ 20-year-old returns to his parent club Celtic with interest across the Football League, as Portsmouth and Queens Park Rangers are also keeping tabs on him.
Fleetwood Town manager Charlie Adam has heaped praise on his loanee, admitting there aren’t many like him in the Championship.
“The way he dribbles, touches, and passes the ball. That type of midfielder is uncommon in the English Championship, let alone League One. So he’s got a great future. “He is at a big football club, Celtic,” Adam remarked.
Lawal joined Fleetwood as a centre-back but has gradually developed into a midfielder as the season went, demonstrating his incredible versatility.
Derby will face stiff competition, but if they can sign him, it will make a significant statement.
