Derby County have already parted ways with some of their promotion-winning stars but to give themselves the best chance of staying up in the Championship, they may offload a couple more.
The Championship is becoming an increasingly difficult division to get out of and remain in, with Derby boss Paul Warne describing it as the toughest league he’s seen in years.
Last season, Birmingham City were relegated on 50 points while Leeds United amassed a total of 90 and that still wasn’t enough to earn automatic promotion – in four of the last six campaigns it would have been.
The challenge ahead is daunting for Warne, who claims he needs at least nine new additions to his squad after releasing six of his out-of-contract players.
With the transfer window opening on Friday (14th June), Derby supporters will be hoping for David Clowes to get his business done early, although there are still multiple players the club may consider offloading.
Here are three players the Rams could sell this summer…
Josh Vickers
Josh Vickers is currently the only senior goalkeeper in Warne’s squad.
The Derby boss has made it clear that he’s looking for a new No.1 after controversially releasing Joe Wildsmith at the end of his contract.
Vickers played second fiddle to the league’s Golden Gloves Award winner last term, featuring just seven times in League One following his move from Rotherham United.
After winning promotion to the Championship, it’s unlikely the 28-year-old will play much, and as he’s entering the so-called prime of his career, he may consider moving on.
And the club could sanction a deal, but to do so, they need to sign at least two pairs of hands; a starting goalkeeper and a reliable backup.
Louie Sibley
Louie Sibley is in discussions over a new contract at Pride Park with his current deal soon to expire.
The academy graduate – who has played 173 times for Derby – has since attracted interest from League One side Rotherham.
Steve Evans is reportedly keen to sign the 22-year-old on a free transfer and if they can find a replacement for him, the Rams may consider selling.
Sibley did flourish as a left wing-back in Warne’s system last term but if they’re on the lookout for another first-choice player in that position, he’s a player that could offload.
Previously lauded as “superb”, the Englishman is undoubtedly talented however, since negotiations over a new deal have cooled, it wouldn’t be a shock to see him seek a fresh challenge after 14 years in Derbyshire.
Tyrese Fornah
Tyrese Fornah is one of just three central midfielders currently at the club, including academy graduates Darren Robinson and Liam Thompson.
Warne needs at least three to four players in that position to stand any chance of winning the engine room battles in the Championship.
Fornah – who started just nine of their matches in League One – is unlikely to play much of a part in the second tier, with the 24-year-old not of the standard required.
The ex-Nottingham Forest player also sees his contract expire in 2025, so if Derby are smart enough, they’ll command a decent fee for someone who Paul Ince described as “outstanding”.
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