"John Eustace likes him" - Claim made on potential Kane Wilson exit at Derby County | OneFootball

FLW's Derby County fan pundit has issued his verdict on Kane Wilson's future with the club

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…

Kane Wilson’s future at Derby County remains unclear as we approach the final week of the Championship season.

The Rams are still fighting for their survival in the division, but have their fate in their own hands going into a final day clash against Stoke City.

Wilson is out of contract with the Championship side this summer, so this weekend could prove his final appearance for the team.

The 25-year-old joined the club in 2023 on a two-year deal, and has 73 league appearances since his arrival from Bristol City.

Kane Wilson priority claim

When asked about Wilson’s future with the club, FLW’s Derby fan pundit Shaun Woodward claimed it should be a summer priority for John Eustace to keep him.

However, he believes only survival in the Championship could convince him to stay, as he’s more than good enough to keep playing at this level.

“For me, it should be John Eustace’s number one priority getting Kane Wilson to sign a new contract for Derby,” Woodward told Football League World.

“I think, if we went down, I wouldn’t blame him for not wanting to sign that new contract cause he’s too good for League One.

“He would probably have quite a few suitors in the Championship, I would say.

“I think he could fit into most teams in this league, and I think with better players around him he’d only get better.

“And I think the form he’s been on, he could justify saying he wants to stay in the Championship, so I wouldn’t blame him for holding out until we know which league we’re going to be in next season.

“If we do stay in the Championship, then I’m confident he would sign a new contract.

“I think he’s happy at Derby, I think John Eustace likes him and trusts him, so hopefully with better players in the summer I think Kane Wilson would have another strong season next season.

“And his stats will probably be even better because he’ll have better players around him, so a huge blow if we lost him.

“But I wouldn’t blame him if we do go down.”

Derby are currently 19th in the Championship table, one point clear of the relegation zone with only one game left to play.

Kane Wilson contract has to be a priority for Derby

If Derby manage to survive this weekend then their priority absolutely has to be ensuring Wilson remains at the club.

The full-back has been a crucial part of the team since joining the Rams, and has been one of their standout talents in the Championship.

Wilson is also a high-value asset if they can tie him down to the long-term deal, so losing him for nothing would be a real blow financially too.

Given he seems happy at Pride Park, survival should go a long way to convincing him to stay, but that just adds even more pressure to Saturday’s home game against relegation rivals Stoke.