A player Derby County were keen on signing in the summer now has 22 goal contributions this season.
Derby County were forced to shop in the free transfer market last summer to comply with the EFL regulations that were placed on them.
The Rams brought in several players who were experienced at League One level to aid their charge towards promotion. The most successful of their acquisitions have turned out to be Curtis Nelson, Kane Wilson and Ryan Nyambe while the rest have either suffered spells on the sidelines or struggled to nail down a regular place in the starting XI.
As with any side looking to do business in the transfer window, there are always going to be players that slip through the net and on this occasion, it was forward Harvey Knibbs.
The 24-year-old was plying his trade for Cambridge United last season and Plymouth Argyle had a bid rejected for him in January last year.
With his contract expiring in June 2023 and Knibbs not interested in renewing, several Championship and League One clubs were put on red alert, including Derby.
At the time, it was reported that the Rams were locked in a three-way transfer tussle with Bristol City and Huddersfield Town to land his signature, but it was Reading who won the race, signing him on a three-year deal.
Harvey Knibbs has 22 goal contributions this season
Following the lifting of their transfer embargo, Reading pounced at the chance to sign Knibbs and it has proven to be an inspired decision.
Ruben Selles’ side may be loitering towards the lower end of the League One table as point deductions continue to hamper their campaign, but Knibbs has excelled in the face of adversity.
Operating as an attacking midfielder or centre forward, Knibbs has enjoyed the most successful season of his career to date, scoring 15 goals and supplying seven assists in all competitions.
Previously lauded as “excellent” during his time at Cambridge, the promising talent has reached new heights with his scoring this term and Derby could use him as a long-term replacement for James Collins.
A worthy James Collins replacement
Not signing Knibbs last summer wasn’t the end of the world with Collins scoring 18 goals in all competitions.
But as he approaches his 34th birthday, Paul Warne will need to think about replacing his clinical striker and Reading’s talented attacker should be on their radar.
He’s quick, strong and positionally versatile, operating as an attacking midfielder or striker, and would be a fantastic signing for the Rams to make.
Of course, Reading will likely demand a sizeable fee for their prized possession, despite their position of financial peril.
However, depending on how the rest of the season plays out, pursuing Knibbs could be an avenue worth exploring.