Derby County striker Martyn Waghorn has been linked with a move to fellow Championship club Cardiff City this summer.
The Lowdown: Waghorn out of contract
The 31-year-old scored five goals and registered four assists in the Championship in 2020/21, doing his bit to keep the Rams in the division. His contribution on the final day of the campaign was nothing short of heroic, scoring twice in a 3-3 draw against Sheffield Wednesday when a defeat would have sent Wayne Rooney’ side down and kept the Owls in the second tier.
Like a number of Derby players, however, Waghorn’s contract at Pride Park expires in the summer, meaning that he is likely to move on to pastures new.
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The Latest: Cardiff linked with move
According to Football Insider, Cardiff are eyeing up a move for the forward, looking to bring him in on a free transfer over the summer.
Waghorn, who earns £7,900 per week and has been described as ‘excellent’ by journalist Ryan Conway, could yet stay at Derby, with the club reportedly keen on giving him a new deal.
The Verdict: Keep hold of him
Waghorn still has enough quality to suggest that Derby should retain his services moving forward, with the striker scoring 30 goals in 123 appearances for the Rams, also registering 13 assists.
At 31, it would be remiss to think of him as an ‘old’ player. He still has plenty to offer, coming good when it mattered most at the season’s climax, while his Championship pedigree speaks for itself, having netted 75 times in the division throughout his career.
Waghorn might not be perfect, but he doesn’t stand out as someone Derby should be quick to jettison. Failing to offer him a new deal wouldn’t be much gratitude for scoring the goals which kept them up on the final day.
In other news, some Derby fans have been calling for one of Waghorn’s team-mates to be sold this summer. Find out who it is here.
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