Derby County can’t afford to let one of their star players depart this summer as Paul Warne faces a contract dilemma.
Derby County are on the brink of securing promotion back to the Championship after two seasons in League One. The Rams are four points away from guaranteeing their place in the second tier, and it could be confirmed this weekend if Derby beat Cambridge and Bolton drop points at home to Port Vale.
With the season ending in 10 days, Paul Warne has to resolve the futures of his first-team squad as several of his players see their contracts expire in June.
As it stands, 12 players – including top scorer James Collins, midfield maestro Conor Hourihane and academy graduate Louie Sibley – will depart the club unless fresh terms are agreed.
While a case can be made to let Collins and Hourihane depart Pride Park given their age and wages, similar can’t be said for Sibley, who should be rewarded with a new contract.
Louie Sibley’s form deserves a new Derby County contract
Sibley is a graduate of Derby’s academy and when he broke onto the scene as an 18-year-old in the first-team, he was touted as the next big thing by many.
Scoring a hat-trick on his second senior start against Millwall in the Championship saw hype and expectations rise rapidly.
Sadly, like many youngsters who show promise from an early age, the hype surrounding Sibley has fallen by the wayside in recent years.
Despite breaking into the senior side as a fleet-footed attacking midfielder, the 22-year-old has played in most positions but has recently found joy as a left wing-back.
Warne has started him there across the last nine games with Sibley scoring twice and assisting once.
The youngster has looked like a threat and has offered Derby a real outlet down the left flank, combining his skilful dribbling and crossing ability to devastating effect.
Hailed as “superb” by journalist Leigh Curtis, Sibley is enjoying an excellent run of form that warrants a new contract.
Derby County would be foolish to let Louie Sibley leave for nothing
Sibley’s age and potential make him a valuable asset to Warne, and although his contract is on the verge of expiring, Derby will surely renew it once this campaign draws to a close.
Regardless of whether the Rams seal promotion to the Championship, giving the talented youngster a new deal would save the club money in the long run.
The fact he’s also supremely versatile helps as he can play across multiple positions, including as a left-back, winger and attacking midfielder.
A player in the mould of Sibley, who has made 171 appearances for the club, would cost a pretty penny in the transfer market and Derby would be foolish to let their academy graduate depart on a free transfer.
The post Warne can’t afford to let ‘superb’ 171-app player leave Derby County, he deserves new deal - opinion appeared first on Derby County News.
