Derby County urged to beat Millwall to Brighton transfer ahead of February 2 deadline - "I'm a big admirer" | OneFootball

FLW's Derby County Fan Pundit has told the Rams that they must seek out a deal for Tommy Watson in the final days of the transfer window.

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…

Derby County are looking to end the January transfer window strongly, and after announcing their third signing of the month on Thursday, one fan would like to see another winger join following Corey Blackett-Taylor's loan move to Bolton Wanderers.

Jaydon Banel became the latest player to join the Rams, as he made the switch from Burnley on loan for the rest of the campaign, with the Dutch youngster in-line to be in the squad against Bristol City on Friday evening.

Meanwhile, Sammie Szmodics is a target for John Eustace's side, although EADT have reported that Ipswich Town have already rejected a bid for the East Midlands outfit, with Wrexham plotting a £5 million move of their own.

Nevertheless, there are plenty of eyes in the Championship on Brighton & Hove Albion's Tommy Watson, with the winger available for a loan. Derby have previously monitored the teenager, and a late swoop could be an excellent way for the club to end the transfer window.

Derby County backed to make a move for Tommy Watson before deadline day

Alan Nixon reported in September that both the Rams and Hull City watched the 19-year-old, and with TEAMtalk stating that he could leave the Premier League on loan in the coming days, Eustace may plot a move.

Millwall are also interested in striking a deal for Watson though, as per Nixon, and when asked if he would like to see Watson at Pride Park, Football League World's Derby Fan Pundit, Shaun Woodward, said: "I've said all along that if Tommy Watson's available, we should be going all out to bring him in.

"He's young, he's exciting, he's quick, he's tall, he's direct, he's got an eye for goal.

"He did it on the big stage last season for Sunderland in the play-off final. He's shown some real flashes of brilliance already in his early career, and he's only going to get better as well."

Shaun continued: "So, I would love to see him come in for the second half of the season. The fact that we've let Corey Blackett-Taylor go, there's room for a wide man. The fact that Morris is still not around, we are a bit short in the front areas, so someone like him could come in.

"I think he'd be an excellent addition to the squad and someone I'll be really excited to see play at Derby. So, I'm a big admirer of his, and I think it would be an excellent signing if we could bring him in."

Tommy Watson made his mark in the Championship with Sunderland last season - Derby County move could be a coup

While this campaign has been relatively tough for Watson, with the teenage winger making just six appearances from off the bench in the Premier League, he will want to make an impact in the Championship once again.

He played 20 times in the second tier for Sunderland in 2024/25, scoring twice, and was key in helping the Black Cats into the play-offs.

However, his crowning moment came in the final, when he fired into the back of the net from distance to send the Wearsiders back to the top flight, as he prepared for his switch to Brighton. He had agreed a move to the Seagulls in April 2025, but left his former club with the greatest gift.

Now, with Premier League experience, Watson would be a fantastic addition at Derby and even further talent to the wide areas of the pitch following Blackett-Taylor's exit, even with Banel arriving from Burnley too - the more options, the better.