Dundee’s biggest transfer needs in summer rebuild.

The Dark Blues are going on a new era; where should the squad be strengthened? Dundee have a significant summer rebuild ahead of them. Off the pitch, the new look structure has already begun, with Steven Pressley taking over as head coach. Changes in the backroom will take place behind the scenes. However, the rebuilding on the pitch will be front and centre for the club’s fans to see. So, what might we expect from Dundee’s summer transfer activity?

OUTS

Dundee currently has a limited team, with only 12 players signed up for the next season. Talks are underway with Joe Shaughnessy and two other out-of-contract players. However, with the arrival of any new managing team, there will most certainly be movement in both directions.

The club currently boasts a large number of centre defenders, with five of the twelve signed players playing there, and Shaughnessy might join them. Pressley is a former centre-back who understands what he needs from that position on the pitch. Following last season’s poor defensive record, the team will undoubtedly seek to improve in that area. If new players are to be brought in, existing players will have to leave permanently or on loan. Another area of strength for Dundee is goalkeeping, with Trevor Carson, Jon McCracken, and Harry Sharp on the roster.

However, McCracken will want to play next season. McCracken has the opportunity to play for Scotland after receiving a call-up last season, and national team manager Steve Clarke admits a lack of goalkeeping options. It won’t be open if he sits on the bench again. If Pressley chooses Carson as his No. 1, McCracken may seek elsewhere.

INS

Know-how

Dundee had one of the Premiership’s youngest squads last season. Six of the seven presently signed defenders are under the age of 23. Youth is a virtue, but experience is essential for defence. Last season, the absence of it was palpable, with Shaughnessy out long term and Clark Robertson struggling at times.

Jordan McGhee, one of the most seasoned and dependable players, has also left. More know-how in the back is required. Drey Wright is expected to arrive ahead of preseason and contribute to the squad’s development. He is also versatile, like McGhee, and can play full-back, wing-back, and midfield. Power Dundee also needs to build some muscle. As much as the defence was to blame last season, the midfield was a problem. Some games were overpowering, while others simply had too much open space to cover. The latter can be solved with strategies and training, whereas the former requires additions.

St Mirren should be an example to follow with Stephen Robinson keeping them in the top six season after season.

Their entire team is large, but the midfield in especially is powerful and athletic. Ex-Dee Mark O’Hara and Killian Phillips are ideal for the Premiership. Dundee hasn’t had anything like that in years, with Mo Sylla being the only one to add a physical edge to the middle of the park over the last two seasons. Josh Mulligan provided running power, but he is set to depart this summer. Last season, they featured a midfield trio of Lyall Cameron, Fin Robertson, and Cesar Garza. All have their own unique features, yet none are physically imposing. The park’s centre will need to be more physical.

Versatility

Last season’s roster was designed to play in a back-three configuration, which explains the quantity of centre-back alternatives. When Tony Docherty’s preferred 3-4-1-2 formation failed to produce results, a switch to 4-3-3 eventually kept the squad safe. However, the squad’s imbalance was obvious, with too many defenders and not enough wingers. Moving forward, the ability to transfer between platforms smoothly is essential. Support for Simon Murray Dundee have a top striker on their roster. But he needs assistance. Murray is the lone frontman on the roster right now, and he was also the only fit and available No. 9 for much of the season.

He still has plenty of gas left in the tank but he’s also a year older.

Dundee need to find a foil for Murray. Whether that is a striker who drops deep or a forward who can play multiple attacking positions.

Again, having a physical presence makes sense. Curtis Main departed in January and was never replaced. The Dee have been connected with interest in Ross County’s Ronan Hale, indicating the type of player they wish to attract. However, the numbers are apparent. Cameron, Main, Seun Adewumi, and Seb Palmer-Houlden scored 34 goals combined last season. None will be with the team next season; goals are the most vital asset to find during this summer’s transfer frenzy.

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