Derby County have confirmed that Mike te Wierik will join the club in the summer and the Dutchman’s impending arrival raises questions over the future of Curtis Davies.
Groningen captain te Wierik was a late January transfer window target for Derby.
The Rams couldn’t get a deal done. However, with his contract in Holland expiring, the central defender has agreed a pre-contract deal to move to Pride Park.
Te Wierik is a right-footed defender who plays at right centre-back.
His arrival raises questions over the future of Curtis Davies who turns 35 this year.
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Davies started the season as back-up. However, the sacking of Richard Keogh prompted manager Phillip Cocu to call on the centre-back while naming him new captain.
The 34-year-old has gone on to start 19 Championship games this season.
Wayne Rooney has since taken over the captain’s armband. And, Davies has again dropped out of the starting XI with Andre Wisdom replacing him as first-choice centre-back.
The former Hull City man’s contract expires this summer. There has been talk he has reached enough games to trigger a one-year extension at Pride Park.
But regardless, it’s difficult to see Davies featuring much more for Derby beyond the season with both te Wierik and Wisdom ahead of him in the pecking order.
Davies is extremely professional and a leader. If he plans a future in coaching, perhaps next season could offer him an opportunity at Derby to embark on that journey.
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