Derby County are understood to be edging towards the capture of Sammie Szmodics from Ipswich Town, with sources indicating a transfer worth in excess of £4 million. The 30-year-old forward spent the second half of last season on loan at Pride Park and would join manager John Eustace for a third spell working together should the move be completed.
What the move would mean for the Rams
Szmodics provided a useful contribution during his loan stint, netting three times in 13 appearances as Derby finished eighth in the Championship — four points shy of the play-off places. His arrival would strengthen the attacking options available to Eustace as the club looks to push for a play-off challenge in the coming campaign.
At Blackburn with Eustace, Szmodics enjoyed a prolific 2023-24 season when he claimed the division's Golden Boot after scoring 27 goals. Ipswich subsequently paid Blackburn a reported £9 million in 2024 to secure his services, but the forward has struggled to replicate that form at Portman Road, finding the net five times in 39 outings for the Tractor Boys.
Practical details and context
Reports indicate Ipswich have been open to allowing Szmodics to leave this summer, although he has taken part in their pre-season programme so far. Derby’s offer, believed to be above £4m, would represent a significant investment by the Rams as they seek experienced players familiar with Eustace’s methods.
- Player: Sammie Szmodics (30)
- Reported fee: more than £4m
- Recent form for Derby (loan): 3 goals in 13 games
- 2023-24 with Blackburn: 27 goals (Golden Boot)
- Record at Ipswich: 5 goals in 39 appearances
| Statistic | Figure |
|---|---|
| Age | 30 |
| Reported transfer fee | > £4m |
| Derby (loan) goals | 3 in 13 |
| Ipswich goals | 5 in 39 |
For supporters, the key question will be how Szmodics performs over a full season under Eustace at Pride Park, and whether he can return to the form that produced his 27-goal haul. From the club’s perspective, the deal would be a statement of intent that Derby are willing to invest to improve their squad.
Information remains subject to confirmation while negotiations continue. As the situation develops, supporters should expect official announcements from the club once terms are finalised and paperwork is complete.
Yusuf Cooper, Derby News Correspondent
