Derby County are facing a huge decision to make over the future of goalkeeper Joe Wildsmith in the coming months.
One of the first signings of the David Clowes era, Joe Wildsmith has been a present force in the rebuild at Derby County. The goalkeeper joined the Rams on a free transfer in summer 2022, following the expiration of his contract at his boyhood club Sheffield Wednesday.
Taking the step to leave Hillsborough would have been a daunting one, but it appears to have paid off so far. Wildsmith was the number one choice with the gloves for the 2022/23 season, before he faced some testing times this campaign.
The arrival of Josh Vickers has brought about fresh competition for places in the goalkeeping rank. While there was a period where changes were made, Wildsmith has been the first choice so far for most of the season.
Joe Wildsmith contract decision
Derby face a huge decision over the future of Wildsmith in the coming months, due to his dwindling contract. The deal runs until the summer, meaning he could leave on a free transfer soon if he doesn’t renew it.
It remains to be seen whether an offer will be on the table, though some uncertainty over the division the Rams are in next season could play a part. There may also be a dilemma surrounding guarantees over playing time, given the 28-year-old will face some competition.
Joe Wildsmith transfer claim
The good news for Derby is that Wildsmith seems more than content with his decision to join the club. The goalkeeper admitted that the best thing for him to do was join the Rams, following an excellent display against Bolton Wanderers.
He told RamsTV: “I think it is the best thing that I had to do in my career. I came here and my ambition was to play as many games as possible. The fact that I have played more times now for Derby than I did at Sheffield Wednesday in just two seasons is quite a proud moment for me.”
Derby County goalkeeper stats
Both Wildsmith and Vickers have tussled over the number one shirt this season, throughout the league campaign. As per FBRef, Wildsmith has a clean sheet percentage of 45.5% to Vickers 33.3%, though the former has played 33 games to the latter’s seven.
The save percentage is where the current number one stands out, with 73.3% to his teammate’s 64.7%. It suggests that Wildsmith is deserving of being the first choice goalkeeper, though Vickers was unfortunate to pick up an injury when he did have the chance with the shirt.
At the end of it though, it’s key for Derby that they have two capable shotstoppers ready to fill in when required.