Derby County head coach Paul Warne has confirmed that Krystian Bielik will remain on loan at Birmingham City for the remainder of the 2022-23 season.
The Rams had a recall clause this month for the Poland international if they wanted to bring him back to the club, but they are happy with what the 25-year-old is doing in the Championship and his high wage will remain on Birmingham’s books until the end of the season.
Bielik initially made his return to the Blues back in July after his national team manager Czesław Michniewicz revealed that he needed to pursue a move to a second tier club in order to secure his spot in his country’s FIFA World Cup squad.
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The ex-Arsenal man has been a key part of Birmingham’s midfield this season, playing 18 times under John Eustace so far with all of those being starts.
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Bielik will now continue to play for City until the end of the season, by which time Derby may be exploring a permanent exit for the Pole as his contract will have one year to go this coming summer.
The Verdict
This makes complete sense from a Derby point of view as they are stacked with midfielders in their squad as it is.
Warne could have brought Bielik back and it would’ve really strengthened his hand, but you also have to look at it from a financial point of view.
Bielik will likely be Derby’s top earner and his wage being off the books for the season will be very helpful for the balance books and has probably given County more of a chance in the January transfer window.
When Bielik returns at the end of the season, he will have just one year left on his contract, and if Derby are still in League One and don’t get promoted then expect him to be sold to another club, whether that is in the Championship or abroad.
