How Lewis Travis and Joe Ward reacted to huge Sammie Szmodics, Derby County transfer | OneFootball

Lewis Travis and Joe Ward have been reunited with Sammie Szmodics, after his loan move to Derby County went through on deadline day.

Derby County left it late to announce the arrival of Sammie Szmodics from Ipswich Town on loan until the end of the season, bringing their transfer window to a successful end, much to the delight of two squad members.

The Rams had shown a significant interest in the attacking midfielder throughout the final weeks of January, although they faced a significant transfer threat from fellow play-off chasing side Wrexham.

Ipswich had set a £6m asking price on the 30-year-old, and while this proved too much for both clubs, John Eustace was able to entice the Republic of Ireland international to Pride Park on a loan deal. Although he won't feature this weekend against the Tractor Boys, he will be raring to go in the coming weeks.

It's a move that proved popular with supporters on social media, and it is not only those in the stands who are excited to see him at Derby, but also some of those on the pitch.

Lewis Travis and Joe Ward welcome Sammie Szmodics to Derby County

Eustace has made it clear his desire to bring in players who have played for him before, with the likes of Dion Sanderson, Andreas Weimann and Danny Batth already with the Rams, while Travis captains the club.

Therefore, Szmodics' arrival may not come as a surprise, and in becoming a Derby player, he has reunited himself with the likes of Travis, as well as former Peterborough United teammate Joe Ward.

The wing-back, who has been exceptional this season, took to social media to welcome the versatile attacker to the Rams, writing on his Instagram story: "Here he is 🤩🫡"

Meanwhile, Travis put on his own story: "Statement signing👊. Welcome, my brother."

Derby County are shaping up nicely for the final portion of the season

The Rams entered the play-off places on Friday evening following their 5-0 demolition against Bristol City at Ashton Gate, and while they dropped into seventh on Saturday following Wrexham's victory, they are positioned excellently for the final 16 games of the campaign.

Szmodics has completed the squad perfectly, with depth and cover in near enough every position. With Carlton Morris coming back from injury in the next few weeks, this is shaping up to be a really exciting end to the campaign for Derby.

Eustace has worked wonders in the last 12 months, taking the club from near-certain relegation to a team with promotion ambitions, and he has got a squad behind him with plenty of talent.

Although Szmodics cannot play against Ipswich this weekend, this could be the start of something special at Pride Park, and he will hope that reuniting with his former boss can help him get back to his very best form.