Derby County Boss Confirms Search for Free Agent Midfielders After Injury Setback
Derby County boss John Eustace has confirmed free agent midfielders are being looked at after David Ozoh’s injury.
Derby County have endured a challenging season and their situation has become even more difficult in recent days. The Rams are staring at the prospect of an immediate return to League One football after a dismal campaign.
The injury front has not been kind to them either. Midfielder David Ozoh, on loan from Crystal Palace, has performed well when available, but a thigh injury has now ended his season prematurely.
This leaves a void in Derby’s midfield, and after bringing in Kemar Roofe as a new attacking addition, the club is once again exploring the free agent market.
Derby County boss John Eustace was questioned about the possibility of a free transfer swoop for a new midfielder following Ozoh’s injury, and he confirmed that it is something the club is actively looking into.
Speaking to Derbyshire Live, Eustace said: “We are looking at a few players to come in and train, but there is nobody else signed at the moment.”
The DCFC boss also revealed that Ozoh will remain with the group rather than making an immediate return to his parent club Crystal Palace before the end of the season.
Eustace’s Current Options
Derby County could certainly use some additional depth in the defensive midfield areas now that Ozoh is out for the foreseeable future.
Ebou Adams is likely to retain his starting spot, and Liam Thompson is capable of filling in. Darren Robinson can also play in a holding role, but he is still gaining experience at the senior level, and it could be risky to thrust him into the limelight.
Kenzo Goudmijn and Harrison Armstrong are options, but they are better suited to more advanced midfield roles, while Ben Osborn has been covering at left-back.
The Free Agent Conundrum
Ultimately, free agent signings at this stage of the season are viewed as a last resort. Players who have kept themselves fit while without a club and were released more recently may have a higher level of fitness and sharpness.
However, when it comes to options who are both fit and good enough to contribute in the Championship, Derby County may have a limited pool to choose from.
The Rams are paying the price for a winter transfer window in which they failed to bolster all the areas that needed reinforcement, and it could prove costly as they fight to avoid an immediate return to League One.
In conclusion, Derby County’s search for a free agent midfielder to fill the void left by David Ozoh’s injury is a necessary move, but it highlights the challenges the club has faced this season. As they navigate the final stretch, the Rams will be hoping to find the right reinforcement to help them secure their Championship status.
