"At all costs" - Derby County urged to take clear Kane Wilson action | OneFootball

The expressive full-back has made a huge impact at Pride Park since joining last summer, but his current contract is set to expire in June.

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Derby County's 2023 summer transfer window was an exceptional one by all means.

The Rams strengthened following final day disappointment against Sheffield Wednesday in the 2022/23 season, bringing in players that would become promotion heroes at Pride Park by the end of April 2024.

One of those to make the switch to the East Midlands 15 months ago was Kane Wilson, signing for an undisclosed fee from Bristol City after struggling to make an impact for the Robins like he had done while plying his trade for Forest Green Rovers previously.

Nevertheless, despite a lack of consistent minutes in the first-half of 2023/24, the 24-year-old came into his own as League One headed towards the festive period, becoming a vital part of Paul Warne's team, coming up with important goals and assists from right-back.

However, his current contract is due to expire at the end of the season, and with clubs able to start talks with him in January, Derby fans may be hoping to see action taken relatively quickly to avoid any potential hiccups.

Verdict made on Derby County, Kane Wilson situation

While the Championship campaign is still in its early days, the next few months will go by extremely quickly, and the Rams can not be left hanging regarding players with expiring contracts.

Wilson has featured massively for Warne since the turn of the year, and although he picked up an injury against Middlesbrough in just the second game of the season, he has quickly returned to his best, even if his appearances since have mostly been off the bench.

Football League World asked their Derby Fan Pundit, Shaun Woodward, his thoughts on the situation, and if he believes the Rams should hand the right-back a new deal.

"I'd be keeping Kane Wilson at all costs," he started. "He's one of the few assets at the club.

"He's at a really good age, he's one of our most exciting players, he can beat a man, and he’s big, strong and direct.

"He's had a bit of an unlucky time with injuries, but once he's back at full fitness, then he's absolutely shooting for the side. He's a great player and I think he's only going to get better."

Shaun continued: "I’m really excited to see what he can do this year once he gets a run in the team, as he’s always someone that gets on the edge of your seat. He loves to take on his man, and he’s someone who I’d be doing everything I could to keep at the club, because I think he's one that we really do need to build a team around, him and Cashin definitely."

Derby must make Wilson's contract a priority

The last few transfer windows have seen Warne start to build a squad that is capable of competing in the Championship, and while Derby are still adapting to the second tier, players like Wilson are allowing them to make that step-up quickly after promotion.

At 24, he has plenty of time left in his career to develop, and the Rams must ensure that Pride Park becomes the place for that to happen.

He made 41 appearances in League One last season, and although he only started 25 of those, his adaptability is crucial, as he can play anywhere down the right flank.

Wilson was extremely unlucky to not come out of Derby's 2-0 win over QPR with another assist to his name. Jerry Yates' back-post header was saved spectacularly by Paul Nardi, denying the right-back his second goal contribution of 2024/25, after scoring on the opening night of the season against Blackburn Rovers.

As the campaign progresses, the former Bristol City man will begin to get more minutes on the pitch, and with his ability to take the ball past an opponent with ease, Rams supporters will be keen to see his exceptional talent on display at Pride Park for the next few years.