Opinion: Why Derby County should look to cash in on Jason Knight this summer | OneFootball

Derby County have been in incredible form of late, and are now firmly in the race for automatic promotion.

Paul Warne has slowly transformed Derby’s fortunes this season after his surprise appointment in September.

He replaced Liam Rosenior who had done a steady job at Pride Park as interim manager whilst rebuilding the first-team playing squad.

Whilst it was steady, it clearly wasn’t enough for owner David Clowes who opted to move on from the rookie manager and appoint someone with experience of winning promotion from League One, with that gamble looking like it could pay off.

This of course all comes after Derby’s administration last season, and subsequent restrictions set by the EFL. It has made it difficult to sign players, as any incoming into the club needing to fall under tight guidelines.

Not only that, but the club cannot spend on transfer fees, only free agents and loans are allowed. Despite this, the club manager to retain several key players, including Max Bird, Eiran Cashin, Jason Knight and Louie Sibley.

Jason Knight is one in particular who has taken the club to another level under Warne, with his tenacity being key to the energetic, tireless displays from the Rams.

So far, Knight has made 22 appearances in the league and since being moved to midfield by Warne, he’s become their main weapon without the ball.

Knight sets the intensity in the final third, often playing behind the number nine, with his pressing out of possession allowing Derby to pin opponents in their defensive third. His performances have been key and despite a lack of goals and assists, just four altogether, he’s indispensable to the team.

That is exactly why Derby should look to move the Republic of Ireland international on this summer.

Quiz: Are these 20 Derby County facts real or fake?

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Derby County have won the top-flight title on two occasions

Real Fake

This isn’t a case of Derby selling Knight because they can do better, but a case of selling while they can maximise his potential fee.

Knight’s contract is up at the end of the season, although he does have an option to extend for one year which the club are likely to take up. So, with that in mind, selling him in the summer would make sense in order to reinvest the money back into the playing squad.

Knight is one of Derby’s best assets, so he’s likely to fetch a respectable figure should the Rams listen to offers.

Importantly, the EFL will be reviewing Derby’s transfer restrictions in the summer according to Rams reporter Leigh Curtis, meaning that there’s a possibility that Derby could spend on fees once again.

Utilising a sizeable fee from the Knight will enable Warne to strengthen key areas which will no doubt be essential, whether Derby find themsevles in the Championship or League One.

With a new head of recruitment being appointed, the club is turning a corner when it comes to sustainable practices. Getting used to selling key assets to reinvest in the team is a reality many supporters will need to get used under the new ownership.