New Sammie Szmodics update emerges involving Ipswich Town and Derby County | OneFootball

The Rams are nearing a deal for a familiar face from the newly promoted side.

Derby County have already pulled off some eye-catching summer deals, and it appears they are closing in on yet another one.

The Rams pulled off one of the signings of the transfer window, with Bobby Clark returning to Pride Park on a permanent deal, having enjoyed a successful loan from RB Salzburg last season.

Derby have also acquired two left-sided players on free transfers in Charlie Taylor and Filip Bilbija as they look to bulk out John Eustace's squad.

Now the East Midlands club are edging closer to bringing in a player that Rams supporters will be all too familiar with from newly promoted Ipswich Town.

Sammie Szmodics nearing Derby County return from Ipswich Town

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Sammie Szmodics joined Derby on loan from Ipswich at the end of the winter window and played his part in the Rams' unlikely play-off push.

The attacking-midfielder contributed three goals and one assist in 13 appearances as Eustace's men finished eighth, missing out on the top six in the last game of the season.

Szmodics had joined the Tractor Boys in the summer of 2024 when the club achieved promotion to the Premier League, although an ankle injury hampered his impact in the top flight.

The Republic of Ireland international struggled to replicate his impressive numbers at Blackburn Rovers, although he was utilised more as a wide player under Kieran McKenna.

Now, Derby are in advanced talks with Ipswich over a deal to re-sign the 30-year-old, according to The Telegraph's John Percy.

The journalist notes that a deal is not done yet, with either a loan or permanent move under discussion, but that the Rams are edging closer to an agreement.

Would Szmodics be a good signing for Derby?

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Given that Szmodics only spent a few months on loan at Pride Park, it is difficult to judge just how effective he was for the Rams.

The 30-year-old immediately slotted into Eustace's side after his move from Ipswich and was utilised as an attacking-midfielder, starting every game he featured in.

Beyond his decent goals record, his underlying statistics were encouraging, with the Irishman ranking in the top 14 per cent of Championship players in his position for expected goals (xG) and non-penalty xG, according to Fotmob.

The feeling around the player was mixed among Derby supporters, with some impressed by his track record, while others are concerned about his age and injury record.

Perhaps the most encouraging sign is his relationship with Eustace, as he managed to get the best out of Szmodics while managing him at Blackburn, where he bagged 27 goals in a single season.

If he does join the Rams, then he would have a whole season to prove himself in the East Midlands, and if it is a loan, then the deal would not hold as much jeopardy as a permanent transfer.

Whatever happens, if he does re-sign for Derby, then they are getting a player with substantial Championship experience, an encouraging goal record and a man who Eustace clearly trusts.

It is fair to say that the Szmodics developments have not gone down well with the Derby faithful, with many questioning the potential move.

However, there are some who would clearly welcome him back to the East Midlands.