Hughes will be playing Premier League football soon – with or without the Rams.
Derby County’s Will Hughes celebrates scoring their third goal
Gary Rowett has much to address at Derby County since being appointed manager, with one big problem being how he will keep his best players.
The Rams have promised so much in recent years yet failed to deliver, which has cost Paul Clement, Nigel Pearson and Steve McClaren (twice) their jobs.
The frustrating thing for Derby fans is that the talent is there, but with promotion once again looking like a distant dream this season that could well change – and first out the door will be Will Hughes.
Hughes has been touted as a future Premier League star since making his County debut back in 2011. Still only 21, the midfielder has already clocked up 182 club appearances – and that is despite missing the majority of last term with an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
Derby County’s Will Hughes scores their third goal
In December the Sun linked Everton with a £15m move for Hughes, a club which has great history of promoting talent from the second tier with Mason Holgate and Ademola Lookman both recent Championship purchases.
The England Under-21 international can only hang on so long for the Rams to make the step up before he has to do it without them. Rowett will do well to keep Hughes at the club for another attempt at promotion next year.
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