Low-key exits as ‘fire sale’ fears are easily doused

DERBY County’s off-the-field issues have sparked fears among fans of a “fire sale” of players.

However, the departures so far of Mike te Wierik and Duane Holmes, and the possible exit of Kaide Gordon, can hardly be described as a fire sale.

Te Wierik returned to FC Groningen last week only six months after joining the Rams on a free transfer.

The 28-year-old Dutch defender was new to English football and to the Championship. He started the season in the team but struggled to hold down a place.

He could not force his way back into the side and found himself behind Curtis Davies (before Davies was injured), Matt Clarke and Andre Wisdom in the battle for places at centre-back.

He remained part of the squad and his professionalism and attitude when he must have been frustrated at not playing was exemplary, and was praised by manager Wayne Rooney.

“Unfortunately it hasn’t quite worked out for him,” said Rooney.

“The one thing I can’t question is his attitude. He was there, encouraging the players.

“I know how difficult it must have been for him not being involved. I think it is a good move for him to go back to Holland.”

Derby say an undisclosed agreement was reached between the two clubs for te Wierik, so the Rams probably did not lose out on the deal.

Holmes has returned to Huddersfield Town, the club where his career began.

The 26-year-old has signed a three-and-a-half year contract with the Terriers after the two clubs reached an undisclosed agreement.

His deal at Derby was due to expire in the summer and with him not making the match-day 20 in the last four League games, it suggested he was not in Rooney’s plans moving forward.

Holmes joined Derby in August 2018 and his best spell in his first season under Frank Lampard was a run of 15 starts in 17 games from January through to April. He also started both legs of the play-off semi-final against Leeds United.

There was a run of 26 starts in 30 games last season under Phillip Cocu when he produced some lively performances, skipping past opponents and providing a threat.

He hit an excellent late equaliser in a 2-2 away draw against Middlesbrough but a couple of injuries in the second half of the campaign interrupted his form.

Holmes failed to regain that form this season, although he was not alone as Derby struggled, and he fell behind others in the pecking order.

His only action in the last eight League fixtures was 17 minutes as a substitute against Swansea City last month.

What is his best position? That is still open to debate.

He filled a number of roles around the midfield at Derby but one of the problems “versatile” players can face is spending enough time in one position to make an impact and deliver consistently.

His record for Derby was six goals in 83 appearances (60 starts). He needs, as an attacking midfielder, to add more goals and end product to his game.

Gordon, a 16-year-old attacking midfielder, looks set to join Liverpool after the Reds made a bid.

There has also been reported interest in him from Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.

Gordon cannot sign a professional contract until this summer and if Derby did not negotiate with Liverpool, or another interested club, then compensation would be set by a tribunal.