John Eustace reveals Derby County player 'could have left' | OneFootball

John Eustace has discussed Lars-Jorgen Salvesen's future at Derby County following deadline day

John Eustace has confirmed that Lars-Jørgen Salvesen had the opportunity to depart Derby County before deadline day.

The forward’s future at Pride Park was up in the air in the final days of the transfer window, having struggled for consistent game time under the 46-year-old.

He was selected on the bench for the Rams’ 2-0 win over Portsmouth on Tuesday night, but it was his strike that helped seal all three points.

The Norwegian came off the bench to score after Sammie Szmodics had put the Championship club ahead at Fratton Park.

This was Eustace’s side’s first win of the new season, moving them to four points from a possible 12 to start the campaign.

Salvesen joined Derby in the 2025 January transfer window, and has so far made a total of 43 appearances in the league since arriving from Viking.

John Eustace confirms Lars-Jørgen Salvesen transfer situation

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Eustace has claimed that Salvesen had the opportunity to depart Derby prior to the transfer market closing on Tuesday evening, suggesting that was why he was on the bench against Pompey.

However, he praised the forward’s attitude regarding the situation, and that he has been rewarded with a great goal at Fratton Park.

“There’s been a lot going on off the field with Larsy over the week,” said Eustace, via the BBC.

“So, obviously, there were opportunities for him to go on loan possibly.

“Today there was an opportunity, he could’ve left and he didn’t and that’s why I didn’t start him, really.

“His attitude on Saturday I felt was excellent considering he didn’t even know yet if this was going to be home for him.

“But he’s got his rewards tonight with a fantastic strike, he’s a fantastic person most importantly, and when he plays for the football club he never lets you down.”

Salvesen scored just his fifth league goal for Derby in their 2-0 win against Portsmouth on Tuesday evening.

He joined the club in January 2025, but an injury issue early into his time at Pride Park proved a setback.

The 30-year-old has started on just 10 occasions in the league for the Rams, although he was in the XI for the 3-0 defeat to Stoke City last weekend.

Salvesen came off the bench to add the second for Derby just after the hour mark, helping to secure the team’s first win of the new season.

How Derby County fans feel about Lars-Jørgen Salvesen transfer decision

Derby fans have praised Salvesen for his level of commitment to the club following his decision to stay at Pride Park.

Supporters have claimed that the Norwegian is exactly who they want to see playing for the team now.

Salvesen’s own comments after the Portsmouth win have also earned him plaudits, and fans are hopeful that this goal can be the start of a new chapter for him at Pride Park.

Supporters are optimistic that this can be a turning point for the 30-year-old.

Derby will return to action on 5 September with a 3pm clash against West Ham.

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Lars-Jørgen Salvesen goal can kickstart his Derby career

It hasn’t ever really got going for Salvesen at Derby over the last 18 months or so, but this goal could be the start of something new.

The forward scored just three times in the league last season, starting in three of his 31 appearances, but he could now step up for Eustace after staying with the club.

Derby will need a fresh source of goals with Patrick Agyemang out for another few months at least, so Salvesen taking up that responsibility could be huge for Eustace.

Getting that first win of the season is important for the Rams, and this could be what kickstarts their own campaign as well after a disappointing couple of opening weekends.