Derby County midfielder Louie Sibley bid farewell to his Pride Park days this Tuesday evening, marking the end of his tenure as he gears up for a fresh start at Oxford United. A prodigy from the club’s academy since the tender age of nine, Sibley, now 22, emerged as a pivotal figure for the Rams, making a commendable 173 appearances for the senior team over his 14-year span.

Despite an impressive 44 appearances last season, Sibley opted out of extending his contract with Derby, paving the way for his transition to Oxford United, who recently secured promotion to the Championship. In an exclusive interview, Sibley expressed his eagerness to operate as a midfielder in advanced positions: “I want to excel in the midfield, where I can be dynamic and influential. I believe in my ability to outmaneuver opponents and am fully committed to making a mark in my new jersey.”

Having predominantly featured as a left-back under Paul Warne’s management, Sibley looks forward to occupying his familiar midfield role under Des Buckingham’s tactical setup—a role he honed throughout his youth career. However, despite meeting the criteria for compensation due to his age and contract rejection, Derby County will not be receiving any financial benefits on account of a discrepancy in wage terms.

Insights suggest that Derby’s decision not to offer Sibley a revised contract may stem from financial considerations, as the club restructures its squad dynamics ahead of the upcoming season. With details on Sibley’s salary remaining undisclosed, speculations place his earnings at approximately £8,000 per week, ranking him among the top earners at the club by 2023 standards. The verdict to maintain his current wage bracket aligns with the club’s strategic vision, positioning players based on anticipated roles and contributions in the upcoming campaign.

He featured in 44 matches across all competitions last season, excelling as a left wing-back. There is potential to acquire a better player than the 22-year-old at a lower cost. Initially surprising, Sibley’s exit became clearer upon understanding the compensation policy, justifying their decision to part ways with the academy prospect.