Derby County are faced with a plethora of contract decisions to make this summer.
Derby are in a difficult position following promotion to the Championship.
The Rams want to keep the nucleus of their squad that propelled them into the second tier but Paul Warne knows drastic improvements are needed for his side to compete.
Warne isn’t helped by the fact that 12 of his first-team players – including Conor Hourihane, Louie Sibley, James Collins and Joe Wildsmith – all see their contracts expire this summer.
It’s put Derby in a difficult position knowing that several awaiting a verdict on their future are aged 30 or above and perhaps aren’t at the level required to keep them in the Championship.
After watching Birmingham City get relegated from the second tier – despite amassing a respectable 50 points – Warne believes this division is the hardest it has been in years and he must bolster his squad with quality to compete.
In attack is where his focus will lie as Derby scored the joint-fewest goals of any side that finished in the top six however, that shouldn’t stop the club from renewing Tom Barkhuizen’s contract.
Why Derby County must give a new contract to Tom Barkhuizen
Clubs in the EFL have until Saturday 18th May to alert players on whether they have a future at the club or not.
Barkhuizen is one individual who finds himself in this position with his contract expiring in June. The 30-year-old – who arrived from Preston North End in the summer of 2022 – played a vital role in helping Derby secure promotion back to the Championship.
Barkhuizen’s versatility in attacking positions, including an ability to operate on the wing or as one of two strikers helped Warne’s side in certain matches.
The Derby boss was able to bring him off the bench late on in games and he’d invariably have an impact, scoring three and assisting twice as he proved himself to be an effective super sub.
In total, the Rams attacker – previously lauded “super” for his energetic and full-throttle displays – scored six and assisted six in League One.
Barkhuizen is now ready to make the step up to the second tier having made 220 appearances in the past during his time at Preston and Blackpool.
Derby County crave Championship experience
The most difficult part for Warne this summer is acquiring players who have played regular Championship football and can still perform to a high standard.
Barkhuizen is someone currently at the club who has vast experience in the second tier, as seen by the number of appearances he’s made.
He joins the likes of Nathaniel Mendez-Laing, Hourihane and Collins in boasting a wealth of knowledge at this level.
Hourihane and Collins are both also out of contract, but alongside Barkhuizen, the Rams must consider giving them new deals.
As much as Warne wants to flesh out his squad with younger, more athletic players; it’s those who have been there and done it before who will give Derby the best chance of staying up, which is why giving some of their experienced players new contracts is imperative.