Why Zander Clark would be a fantastic signing for Derby County

Back in May, the Football Insider (h/t Derby Telegraph) claimed that Derby County were interested in St. Johnstone goalkeeper Zander Clark. However, a deal didn’t go through in the summer and he has since stayed put at St. Johnstone.

A youth product of the Hamilton Academical academy, Zander Clark, 27, joined St. Johnstone in 2008. It took him almost eight years to make his debut for St. Johnstone’s first-team, although he did enjoy loan spells with Elgin City and Queen of the South.

Zander Clark of St Johnstone against Celtic. (Getty Images)

Since the 2016/17 campaign, Clark has been the first-choice goalkeeper for St. Johnstone. He emerged as a target for Derby County in May following an excellent season at McDiarmid Park, where he made 29 appearances and kept 13 clean sheets. With the 27-year-old starting the new campaign well, Derby County must reignite their interest in him during the January transfer window.

Derby’s Scott Carson signed for reigning Premier League champions Manchester City in the summer on loan for the 2019–20 season, as the third-choice goalkeeper behind Ederson and Claudio Bravo. Carson’s departure saw manager Phillip Cocu instil Kelle Roos as his No.1 in goal this season.

However, Roos, who joined the Rams in 2014, hasn’t been at his best so far this season. The Dutchman produced an underwhelming performance against Fulham on Tuesday, in which he was arguably at fault for all three goals. Whilst on-loan Huddersfield Town goalkeeper Ben Hamer is an option, Cocu cannot afford to take any chances and must address the area in January.

Derby County coach Phillip Cocu. (Getty Images)

That being said, the Rams should make a move for Zander Clark, who has been one of the most consistent goalkeepers in the Scottish Premiership over the last couple of seasons. He is the kind of player who would be perfect for Derby as they are in desperate need of an experienced head at the back after the sacking of Richard Keogh.

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At 27, the Scotsman is yet to hit his prime and would be a quality addition to the Derby ranks. Having a player of Clark’s experience and quality to dominate the penalty area might stop Cocu’s side from leaking cheap goals.

Verdict

For seasons now, Derby have flirted with promotion but have fallen at the final hurdle every time. The Pride Park-based outfit cannot afford that again and must fix their problems at the back by signing Zander Clark in January.