Derby County are faced with some difficult decisions this summer as 12 of their players see their contracts expire.
The hardest part of winning promotion is waving goodbye to some of the players who helped them there and in the case of Derby, Paul Warne is faced with 12 who could potentially leave Pride Park.
For the Rams to invest this summer, it’s natural that some of their players will depart while others will be given a new contract.
With Derby needing to prepare for the Championship, here’s our prediction for who stays and who goes this summer…
Derby County out of contract stars: stay or go?
Louie Sibley
A graduate of the Rams academy, Louie Sibley is a versatile player who Warne can ill-afford to lose this summer. The 22-year-old has his critics, but since playing regularly as a left wing-back, he’s made that position his own and looks ready for the Championship. Verdict: New contract
Joe Wildsmith
Despite interest in Rotherham United keeper Viktor Johansson, Derby would be foolish to let Joe Wildsmith depart. Although he’s prone to making an error, the 28-year-old has played himself towards a new contract after keeping 20 clean sheets and winning the Golden Glove. Verdict: New contract
Tom Barkhuizen
Tom Barkhuizen is highly regarded by Derby supporters and has made 220 appearances at Championship level, scoring 34 goals and supplying 20 assists. The 30-year-old – who has plundered six goals and added six assists this term – has a one-year extension in his contract which should be activated. Verdict: Activate a one-year extension
Liam Thompson
A fellow homegrown talent, much like Sibley, Liam Thompson played a regular part in Warne’s plans towards the end of the campaign, making 24 appearances in League One. The Derby boss will be looking to bolster central midfield, and while that could restrict his playing time, he should be given a new deal. Verdict: New contract
Dwight Gayle
Dwight Gayle made an instant impact at Derby when he scored three goals in six appearances in March, but an injury sidelined him for the rest of the campaign. It would be wise to give the veteran striker a one-year deal in the Championship as he’s shown he can be a valuable weapon for Warne. Verdict: One-year deal
Conor Hourihane
When looking at reducing the age of Derby’s squad further, Conor Hourihane is a player who could be sanctioned. However, after scoring five and assisting eight in League One, the Irish maestro is perhaps deserving of a new deal. He also brings invaluable Championship experience to the dressing room, so could be given a new contract. Verdict: One-year deal
Korey Smith
With Derby looking to transform their midfield to meet the levels required in the second tier, 33-year-old Korey Smith is a player the club could sell, despite him enjoying a strong end to the season. Verdict: Released
James Collins
Derby’s top scorer with 19 this term while boasting a wealth of Championship experience, it would be a huge surprise if Warne didn’t give the Irish marksman a new contract. He’s carried most of their goal-scoring weight and will be a strong asset in the second tier. Verdict: New contract
Craig Forsyth
With 340 appearances to his name, Craig Forsyth is the longest-serving player from the current first-team squad. Releasing the Scot from his contract would be heart-wrenching for the club, but with his injury troubles and age, they could choose to sadly let him go this summer. However, they could offer him a one-year extension and a coaching role. Verdict: Released
Martyn Waghorn
If Derby chooses to give Gayle and Collins a new contract, the ‘real force’ Martyn Waghorn will hardly get a look in next season, and as the Rams are stepping up to the Championship, Warne has spoken about adding athleticism. Waghorn has a poor injury record and may well be released. Verdict: Released
Darren Robinson
Another product of Derby’s academy, midfielder Darren Robinson is a promising young talent who could benefit from a loan out of Pride Park, just like Dajaune Brown at Gateshead. The 19-year-old deserves a new contract at the club to see if he can fulfil his potential. Verdict: New contract
Scott Loach
Former England under-21 goalkeeper Scott Loach is Derby’s current third-choice goalkeeper and is the most nailed on to see his contract expire. Since arriving in 2022, the 35-year-old has made just three EFL Trophy appearances and is destined to depart. Verdict: Released
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