Sammie Szmodics describes Derby County boss John Eustace in just one word | OneFootball

Sammie Szmodics has officially joined Derby County on loan with an obligation to buy clause

Derby County are aiming to compete for promotion to the Premier League next season after narrowly missing out on a play-off place in 2025/26.

John Eustace led the Rams to an eighth place finish, with four points separating the team from Hull City in sixth.

The Championship side haven’t competed in the top flight since 2008, and this will only be their third season since gaining promotion from League One under Paul Warne in 2024.

Derby have completed the signings of Bobby Clark, Filip Bilbija and Charlie Taylor already this summer, with Clark arriving on a permanent basis after an initial loan spell.

Sammie Szmodics has become the latest addition, with the forward joining on loan again, albeit with a £2.7 million obligation to buy clause, after signing temporarily last January from Ipswich Town.

The Ireland international contributed three goals and one assist from 13 appearances in the league during his first stint in Eustace’s side.

Sammie Szmodics describes John Eustace in one word

Action Images

When asked to describe Eustace in one word on the club’s Instagram account, Szmodics has claimed that the Derby boss is “fun.”

The forward joined the Rams initially last January after falling down the pecking order at Portman Road, and this led to him becoming an important part of the first team squad.

And the Championship side will now be hoping that the 30-year-old can help power the club to another promotion push in 2026/27.

The play-offs are expanding from next season to include two more teams, so another top eight finish would be enough to fight for a place in the Premier League.

Szmodics’ most prolific campaign at this level saw him contribute 27 goals and four assists for Blackburn Rovers in 2023/24, but his move to Ipswich that summer has seen the goals dry up.

The forward has also claimed that he is looking forward to playing at the London Stadium of any away ground this season due to being a West Ham fan.

How Derby County fans feel about Sammie Szmodics signing

Derby fans have responded positively to the return of Szmodics to the first team squad, claiming he is a quality addition.

The Rams have been praised for putting together a smart deal, suggesting that the permanent fee to be paid is quite reasonable.

Derby supporters are pleased with the addition of Szmodics, as the Championship side continue their summer business.

Eustace’s side will begin their upcoming campaign on 15 August with a trip to face Charlton Athletic.

Action images

Sammie Szmodics deal is good business from Derby County

Szmodics at his best has the potential to be one of the top scorers in the Championship, and he showed last season that he can perform under Eustace.

Given the likely cost of the deal once the permanent move goes through, this looks to be quite a shrewd piece of business.

Derby will need the additional firepower due to Patrick Agyemang’s long-term injury, and Szmodics has shown that he can provide that.