Reaction given to Tommy Watson, Derby County news - "Maybe Cashin can have a word" to seal deal | OneFootball

FLW's Rams fan pundit has weighed in on reports linking the Brighton man in January

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Brighton and Hove Albion winger Tommy Watson is already the subject of growing speculation ahead of the January transfer window, with Derby County, Hull City, and Preston North End all said to be monitoring his situation.

That was according to Alan Nixon, writing on his Patreon.

The 19-year-old enjoyed a breakout year with Sunderland in 2024, scoring a famous winning brace against Stoke City in December before netting the decisive strike in the Championship play-off final that sent the Black Cats back to the Premier League after eight years away.

That form earned him a big move to Brighton in April, but opportunities in the Premier League have so far been limited.

Despite starring in the EFL Cup, where he registered a goal and three assists across two appearances, Watson has yet to make his league debut for the Seagulls.

Derby County fan reacts to Tommy Watson transfer links

Following Watson’s links to Pride Park, Football League World asked resident Rams fan pundit Shaun Woodward if he’d be an exciting addition for Derby County.

“The fact he’s a winger would be an exciting prospect regardless of who he is, because we are so badly lacking width in our team with Corey Blackett-Taylor seemingly out more than he ever is fit, so we’re in desperate need of some wingers at the club,” Woodward told FLW.

“Beck’s also not kicked a ball in anger for Derby yet - another option potentially down the wide areas of the pitch.

“So yeah, Tommy Watson, only a teenager, but he’s scored some big goals already in his career, most noticeably in the Championship final last year, looks a real prospect.

“He’s tall, quick, awkward - so I think he would be someone that a lot of clubs would be after. It would be great if we could bring him in.

“It’s just a shame if it’s already there that we’re after him and there’s still three months until the window, other clubs will probably be sniffing round, I would imagine, and it’ll just be whoever he prefers, who he’d like to go to.

“Maybe [Eiran] Cashin can have a nice word with him and say what a great club Derby are.

“But it would be great to get a player like him in, give him half a season of Championship again and see what he’s made of.”

Tommy Watson could rediscover form in the Championship - but Derby face competition for his signature

Derby’s lack of natural width has been a recurring issue in John Eustace’s squad, and the potential addition of a young winger with Watson’s profile would go some way to addressing it.

His pace, directness, and knack for producing in high-stakes moments make him an attractive loan option, though competition is likely to be fierce with Hull and Preston also in the frame.

The Rams are not exactly flush with depth in wide areas, and it left Eustace’s side short of spark in the final third, which has contributed to a disappointing start to the campaign that sees them sitting 21st in the Championship table.

Whether Derby are still considered an appealing destination come January could depend on how their form develops over the next couple of months.

If the Rams are still battling at the wrong end of the standings, Watson might be tempted by the prospect of a promotion push elsewhere.

But if Eustace can steady the ship and return the Rams