John Eustace must be glad Derby County had £2.8m transfer miss - QPR will be frustrated | OneFootball

Derby County missed out on the signing of Japanese winger Koki Saito to QPR this summer

Derby County endured a busy transfer overhaul in the summer, spearheaded by former Blackburn Rovers and Birmingham City boss John Eustace, with the Rams missing out on a player who headed to Queens Park Rangers instead.

Having barely scraped survival last campaign, Derby set out to ensure that they would not find themselves in a similar situation this season.

Under the watch of manager Eustace, the Rams revamped their squad, adding around 13 first-team players to their ranks, with numerous departures from Pride Park too.

The likes of Patrick Agyemang, Rhian Brewster, and Ben Brereton Diaz joined the attack, Lewis Travis, Bobby Clark, and David Ozoh in the midfield, and Danny Batth, Max Johnston, and Dion Sanderson in defence.

It was a statement of intent from Eustace and Derby, who were eager not only to comfortably survive this season but to launch themselves towards the top six, which they have done so successfully.

However, they very nearly made one more addition during the window, but instead, they’d lose out to QPR. Although, given how it has transpired, they won’t be too fussed about the outcome.

Koki Saito snubbed Derby County in favour of a permanent QPR return

Along with the aforementioned arrivals at Pride Park, Derby were also reportedly keen on bringing Japanese winger Koki Saito to the club, having spent the previous season on loan with QPR.

Saito scored three and assisted three under Marti Cifuentes at Loftus Road, and upon his return to Belgian side Lommel SK, it was made clear that he would be available for a permanent move this summer.

Derby actively pursued Saito, but QPR, now led by French boss Julien Stephan, decided to return for the Japanese winger, and stumped up £2.8 million to bring him back to West London.

The 24-year-old had become a fan favourite in the English capital due to his performance and his endearing personality, with many R’s fans delighted by his return.

However, with the season approaching its final stages, Saito hasn’t had nearly the impact that R’s fans were hopeful of, leaving them scratching their heads on whether the club was correct to beat Derby to his signature, and Rams fans are likely glad they missed out on him with how things have panned out.

John Eustace and Derby may be pleased to have missed out on Koki Saito to QPR after performances this season

Having missed out on Saito to QPR, Derby will have kept one eye on his progress in West London and may be glad to have missed out on his signature after all.

The diminutive winger showed glimpses of his ability during his loan stint last season, and upon his return to the club, it was hoped that he would kick on and establish himself as a mainstay on the wing.

However, just three goals and two assists in 29 league games, with only 22 of those coming as starts, has been less than inspiring, and certainly not what R’s fans would’ve hoped for.

With the likes of Daniel Bennie, Rayan Kolli, Kwame Poku, Paul Smyth, Ilias Chair, and Karamoko Dembele for competition, it’s hardly surprising that Saito has been rotated. Nevertheless, QPR supporters would have expected more output from the winger at this stage.

Still only 24, Saito still has ample time to improve, though the R’s will certainly be hoping that he does sooner rather than later, with their chances of a play-off spot fading away, and another season in the Championship likely on the horizon.

Meanwhile, Derby are well in the battle for a top-six finish, and given they have the likes of Sammie Szmodics, Brereton Diaz, and Agyemang, Saito is not likely to be missed at Pride Park right now.