Should Derby County make a move for Bristol City’s central defender Aden Flint this summer?
Bristol City’s Aden Flint and Birmingham City’s Clayton Donaldson in action
After yet another year of disappointment for Derby County fans, many are hoping that, come the summer, new boss Gary Rowett will give a mandate to ship out a good amount of Derby County’s underachieving squad, bringing in a fresh, new group, not tarred with the failings of the past.
One area that many Derby County fans would like to see improved is the back four. Too many times this season, Derby have let in late goals due to lapses of concentration, and ability, at the back. One player who could provide an excellent solution to this problem is Bristol City’s centre-back, Aden Flint.
Signed in 2013 from Swindon Town, Aden Flint played a huge part in Bristol City’s promotion back to the Championship, holding the central position in the Robins’ back three that saw them storm the league under former boss, Steve Cotterill. Standing at 6ft 5in, Flint is one of the tallest centre-halves in the division, and has proved time and time again what a danger he can be from corners.
Scoring a sensational 25 goals during his time at Aston Gate, including 15 goals in their promotion season (more than some strikers!), Aden Flint is one of the best goal-scoring defenders in English football, let alone the Championship. It goes without saying that the defender is also excellent from defensive set pieces, and has at times this season been the only reason Bristol City haven’t collapsed completely when under the cosh in games.
Aden Flint of Bristol City in action with Andre Gray of Burnley
However, if Derby County do want to move for Aden Flint, they will likely have to pay big money. Bristol City owner Steve Lansdown has shown in the past, with the transfer of Jonathan Kodjia to Aston Villa, that though he is willing under the right circumstances to sell the side’s better players, he certainly won’t allow them to go cheap.
Not to fear though, Derby County fans. If Gary Rowett is able to have somewhat of a clear-out this summer, he will also likely receive the full backing of Chairman Mel Morris, who has proved over the years that he is happy to put his money where his mouth is.
Derby County manager Gary Rowett
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