Sammie Szmodics to Derby County permanently from Ipswich Town? Rams future hint dropped | OneFootball

Sammie Szmodics has spoken out about his time at Derby County so far, and where he sees his future.

Derby County got their play-off push back on track on Monday evening as they picked up a vital 1-0 victory over Portsmouth at Fratton Park, a result that saw them close the gap to sixth-place Wrexham to just three points.

While the Red Dragons are in action on Tuesday against Watford, this was an incredibly important win for John Eustace and his team after a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Millwall a week prior. Sammie Szmodics' second goal for the club proved to be the difference in Hampshire, as a strong defensive performance ensured all three points returned to the East Midlands.

The Republic of Ireland international joined the Rams on deadline day, and while he has not quite hit the heights that he did at Blackburn Rovers so far, there are signs that he is on the right track and may just be getting back to his very best.

Now, following the win at Fratton Park, the versatile attacker has spoken about his time at Derby so far, and has made a significant hint as to where he wants to spend his future.

Sammie Szmodics opens up on start to life at Derby County after tough Ipswich Town stint

Szmodics won the Championship Golden Boot under Eustace in the 2023/24 campaign, scoring twice on the final day of the season to keep his former club in the division against champions Leicester City, before making a £9m move to Ipswich.

Yet, his time at Portman Road has not gone to plan, and he has opened up about his move to Derby and the future. He said (via: BBC Radio Derby): "I'm loving it. I love working under this manager, and I've been backed by the fans and the boys are great. I've been unlucky with assists and goals and chances that I back myself to score, so to score tonight was great for me personally.

"It was a bit of a stop-start season for me at the beginning, so to come here to a great football club and score two goals. I feel like I'm getting my season underway and getting that match fitness and match sharpness. It's great, I'm loving every minute and, hopefully, it can continue."

Szmodics continued: "I just focus on playing football. As soon as I knew there was interest from Derby and John Eustace, it was something I couldn't turn down and I didn't want to turn down. I did everything in my power to come.

"Things are said in football, there are opinions in football, there are different sides in football that you don't get to hear. Right now, I'm just focusing on football and getting match fit and enjoying it and scoring goals and hopefully leading Derby back into the play-offs. Hopefully it's something that I can continue to do."

Sammie Szmodics' special relationship with John Eustace is clear to see

Having a manager who you enjoy playing under is crucial in football, and Szmodics has exactly that in the form of Eustace. He has got the best out of the 30-year-old in the past, and he is starting to do that already at Derby.

His goal against Portsmouth, in essence, was simple, but the movement that the on-loan star made to create that chance for himself was crucial. He dropped away from the crowded six-yard box to find space, and he was left unmarked, and able to finish with class.

It's a part of his game that goes unnoticed, and Szmodics did the very same against Hull City in February. He was left unmarked in the box, and was able to find the back of the net excellently at the MKM Stadium, and he is a real threat.

If he continues to do this, then Derby will only strengthen their bid for a play-off finish, and those teetering in the top six may be looking on nervously at their progress.