Derby County must get promoted to the Championship this season or risk losing one of their most valuable assets.
Derby County are approaching the most pivotal part of their campaign. With six matches left, Paul Warne‘s men currently sit in second position, four points ahead of Bolton Wanderers but five adrift of leaders Portsmouth.
Despite losing against Northampton Town on Saturday, the Rams are in a strong position to win promotion, but failure to do so could see them lose a few of their key players.
Derby sold academy graduate Max Bird to Bristol City in January with the 23-year-old returning to Pride Park for the remainder of the campaign.
READ MORE: Derby County star Eiran Cashin’s journey from almost released to Premier League transfer interest
Meanwhile, fellow academy graduate Eiran Cashin could depart in the summer, especially if they remain in League One for the second season in a row.
Eiran Cashin has been outstanding for Derby County
Cashin has developed into a fine ball-playing defender since graduating from the Derby Academy.
The 22-year-old’s performances for the Rams nearly saw him join Premier League side Brighton last summer, but as they failed to get the paperwork completed in time, he remained in Derbyshire.
To keep such a talented defender this season was a blessing as he’s played an integral role in their promotion push. Cashin has featured in all but two of their league fixtures and formed a quality partnership alongside Curtis Nelson.
Previously dubbed “outstanding” by former manager Wayne Rooney, the defender attracted further interest in January, however, Warne remained adamant that he’d stay, rewarding his loyalty with a new bumper three-year contract in February.
In securing their star player to a long-term contract, they’ve not guaranteed that he’ll stay beyond the summer, but they’ve ensured they’ll receive the right fee for him.
If Derby County stay in League One, Cashin could depart
Look, there’s a possibility that Derby win promotion to the Championship and a Premier League side, such as Brighton, come in for Cashin.
However, the chances of him leaving the club increase if the Rams fail to win promotion.
Cashin, who has kept 15 clean sheets alongside Nelson and recovered 5.8 balls per game, is far too good to spend another season in the third tier.
His domineering performances, allied with his quality on the ball – averaging an 82% pass completion – make him the ideal defender for clubs in the top flight.
Brighton are a side that like to progress play from defence and Cashin has shown he’s comfortable at caressing the ball into midfield and driving forward.
It’s therefore no wonder they tried to sign him last summer, and nothing is stopping them from testing Derby’s resolve once more.
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