Derby County have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of a new goalkeeper as top target Mathew Ryan has opted to move to Italy’s top-flight, according to the latest reports.
Ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, the Rams have been looking to overhaul their goalkeeping department, after allowing last season’s first-choice goalkeeper to leave as a free agent a fortnight ago and join Championship rivals West Bromwich Albion, while experienced shot-stopper Scott Loach decided to retire from football during the summer at the age of 36.
Paul Warne has been keen to bring in a new number ‘1’ before the transfer window closes next month but all attempts have been unsuccessful so far. It was initially reported that the manager was looking to reunite with Viktor Johansson whom he had signed during his time in charge at Rotherham United. The Swedish keeper had a £1 million release clause but it was Stoke City who eventually won the race for his signature.
Then, it was revealed from reports in The Netherlands that Derby County had turned their attention towards former Arsenal and Brighton and Hove Albion star Mathew Ryan who was about to leave Dutch outfit AZ Alkmaar as a free agent after just one year with the club.
The Rams have already signed one player from the Eredivisie side, acquiring the services of midfielder Kenzo Goudmijn, who made his debut for the club on Friday during a 3-0 win in pre-season away at non-league Matlock Town.
However, Warne’s side are set to miss out on Ryan, just as they did with Johansson. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed on Sunday afternoon that the 93-cap Australia international is close to joining Italian giants AS Roma on a free transfer and will undergo a medical on Tuesday before signing a one-year contract with the option to extend his stay by a further 12 months.
Writer’s View
It’s back to the drawing board again for Derby County. While Ryan was clearly a top target for Warne, his hefty wages would have been an issue, whereas the Giallorossi are more than capable of paying his salary, albeit to sit on the bench.
Nevertheless, the decision to allow Wildsmith to leave Pride Park despite recording more clean sheets than any other goalkeeper in League One last season seems questionable now. That being said, there is still plenty of time left in the summer window for the board to bring a new goalkeeper to the club.