The jungle drums are beating louder as the word coming down the vine suggests Will Hughes is getting closer to being poached by a Premier League club. Names like Arsenal and Manchester City have been thrown around but it is Liverpool that has been identified by the press as the team most interested in securing the Rams 18 year old starlet.
We have heard it all before and nothing eventuated but there is a certain inevitability for Rams fans as they know a youngster with Will’s talents is destined for big things. Unfortunately at the moment he will need to go elsewhere to find it long term but there is a faint hope that if he does leave Nigel will ensure he come straight back again.
The newspapers today have been setting the figure required to secure Hughes anywhere from at least 6 million up to around 10 million pounds. On top of that we have stories that Brendan Rogers is desperate to sign the U21 international before another club swoops in.
The other major talking point has also been long mooted, even by Nigel himself, that any deal may include a season loan back to the Rams to continue his development at Pride Park rather than the inconsistency of reserve team football.
Anyone who has seen what Hughes can do would agree that 10 million is the type of figure that should be paid out should someone want to prise him from the Rams grip.
The long term contract the Rams have him on should ensure bargaining power on top of the fact Hughes is one of those very rare youngsters who already can shape a game.
If you believe what you read then Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers believes he could mould him into the next Stevie G. By that hopefully he doesn’t mean Captain of an underperforming super club who goes missing regularly playing for his country!
Whatever you read or choose to believe, fact is eventually Will Hughes will move on, if for no other reason than he has the skill and more importantly a football brain. His decision making, positioning and creativity are instinctive as much as it has been coached and the sky really is the limit for him in the future.
Wherever and whenever he leaves the Rams behind — hopefully he will boomerang straight back into the squad on loan and allow us to harness and appreciate his skills for a little longer.
And before you do go Will — if you could just assist us with this thing called promotion… now there’s a good chap!
How much do you think Will Hughes is worth?
Should Clough hold out for cash and a loan or just get the biggest pay day possible?
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