Burnley FC face Derby County decision - Steven Gerrard must avoid it | OneFootball

Steven Gerrard will have plenty to figure out at Burnley if he replaces Scott Parker, and one decision concerning Derby County must be avoided.

Unless an unlikely turn of events occur, Burnley and Derby County appear set to cross paths in the Championship next season, with both clubs preparing for what could be a fiercely competitive campaign in the second tier.

While Derby obviously still harbour faint hopes of sneaking into the play-offs on the final day, the likelihood remains that they will fall short. If not, then they face three teams with many more points in the top five. It's not impossible, but it is unlikely.

The Rams can be proud of their season either way, given that this is just their second Championship campaign after promotion. It leaves these two historic clubs to battle it out in 2026/27 once more, having last clashed in a league fixture in 2024/25 when both fixtures ended 0-0.

Burnley won 2-1 in the Carabao Cup earlier this season, but both clubs will have similar ambitions and desires to push towards the top end of the table, meaning their recruitment strategies this summer could prove to be crucial and decisive in shaping the promotion picture.

Steven Gerrard will want a good look at Derby County's Burnley loanee Jaydon Banel

This is where an intriguing situation may begin to develop between the two. Derby, under the guidance of John Eustace, are expected to be active in the market yet again as they look to build on encouraging progress. Burnley, meanwhile, are facing a reset of their own following relegation.

With Steven Gerrard potentially set to replace Scott Parker in Burnley's dugout, it could be a huge summer at Turf Moor. However, one player who could sit at the centre of both clubs’ plans is Jaydon Banel.

After a productive loan spell with Derby, the 21-year-old winger has done more than enough to catch the eye. He has scored three impressive goals in just 13 appearances despite playing fewer than 500 Championship minutes. His impact has been huge after Patrick Agyemang's injury and, crucially, timely.

It is no surprise, then, that the Rams are expected to return with another proposal. That could be a second loan to Derby or a permanent deal for Banel. Eustace clearly values Banel’s profile, particularly his directness and ability to stretch defences, and he fits the mould of a young and hungry player capable of thriving in the Championship.

However, this is where Burnley must stand firm. If Gerrard does take over at Turf Moor, allowing Banel to leave — particularly to a potential rival — would be a mistake. While the winger has yet to make a tangible impact in the Premier League for Burnley, that should not be the defining factor in any decision over his future.

Derby must have contingency plans for Banel because they are at least likely to value him as a squad player. It's perhaps possible that they utilise him in the same way Eustace largely has via minutes from the bench when the game becomes stretched.

Jaydon Banel could be a long-term asset for Burnley

At 21, Banel represents exactly the kind of asset Burnley should be building around heading into a Championship campaign. His ceiling remains high, while his recent performances at Derby suggest he is beginning to translate the obvious raw potential into more consistent output.

He has the dribbling and speed to cause teams problems, but he just needed to score or assist with more regularity; that's now coming. In a league that rewards dynamism and attacking intent, he could prove to be a game-changer over the course of a full season. Would it be that much of a surprise if he exploded and his game went to another level next term, too?

That is why there is also the financial angle to consider. Players of Banel’s age and profile carry significant resale value, particularly if they are given the platform to perform regularly. Offloading him now, before he has had the chance to fully establish himself, would likely be disastrous long-term business.

For Gerrard, the decision should be straightforward: retain Banel, integrate him into the squad, and allow him to flourish in the Championship. Burnley will need players capable of 'lighting up' the division if they are to mount a serious promotion push. In Banel, they may already have one ready to do exactly that.