Derby County striker Chris Martin’s contract expires on June 30.
The postponement of the EFL fixtures due to the Coronavirus has raised questions.
Will the Championship season be completed? What happens to those currently vying for promotion and relegation? Is there a fair solution?
Those who make the important decisions face a difficult task.
But so do several clubs when it comes to contracts. Derby will be one of many clubs with first-team players’ current deals set to expire on June 30.
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Could they walk away before the season has even finished?
It’s a question which should give further incentive for Derby to extend Martin’s deal.
The striker has rediscovered his top form under current manager Phillip Cocu after three years of injury problems, loan deals elsewhere and frustration.
Martin, who topped Derby’s goal scoring charts between 2013-2016, has been a key player for the Rams’ evident improvement over the past two months.
The Scotland international has nine goals and six assists in 26 Championship games.
In the recent 3-1 win at Sheffield Wednesday, Martin netted a hat-trick of assists.
Aside from his scoring ability, Martin is excellent at link-up play. He is creative, has brilliant control and awareness, and importantly plays for the team.
Derby have collected ten points from Martin’s last five starts, scoring 13 goals.
The 31-year-old still has another decent couple of years at Championship level. Derby can’t afford to allow a player of his ability to walk away for nothing.
Also see: Report: Club reject six-figure bid for Derby target from Championship rivals
Also see: Leeds reportedly rival Derby for player likened to £80m Premier League star