Football
Exclusive: Derby Boss John Eustace Pushes to Sign Loanee Dion Sanderson Permanently
Derby County manager John Eustace is eager to sign loanee Dion Sanderson permanently, sources say. Eustace has a history with Sanderson and praises his character and performance. Discussions are ongoing as the transfer market reopens in January. Sanderson has had a nomadic career.
Derby County v Watford - Sky Bet Championship by Jess Hornby | Getty Images
Derby County manager John Eustace has tasked bosses at the club to sign loanee Dion Sanderson, SportsBoom understands.
Sources close to the club have said the Rams’ chief wants to secure the Birmingham City midfielder before other Championship clubs come sniffing around.
Eustace has long been an admirer of the 25-year-old and previously worked with him at Queens Park Rangers, Birmingham and Blackburn Rovers.
And the Rams’ head coach jumped at the opportunity to work with him again this season when it became apparent he was available.
When asked about Sanderson’s future at the club, Eustace said: “Possibly, for sure, I think he's done fantastically well.”
“I obviously know Dion from my QPR days, Birmingham days, Blackburn days, so I know the kind of character he is. He's a top, top player in my opinion when fully fit and I think he's been proving that throughout this season.”
“His performances have been excellent and most importantly, he's a really good human being, and he's another great character to have in the group, into the squad and his performances have been getting better and better, but also he drives the standards.”
And our sources have been told discussions are underway at the club ahead of the transfer market reopening in January.
Birmingham City are also looking to make one of their own loanees, Patrick Roberts, a permanent signing when the transfer window reopens in January.
Nomadic Career
Sanderson started his career in the midlands at Wolverhampton Wanderers, joining at the age of seven.
During his time contracted at Molyneux he went on loan to Cardiff City, Sunderland, Birmingham, QPR, back to Birmingham before signing for the Blues permanent in 2023, ending his 16-year association with Wolves.
He penned a four-year deal at St Andrews and was made captain as he made 37 appearances as the club were relegated and played only twice for them in their League One promotion.
In January he went on loan to Blackburn for the second half of the season before going to Derby this season.
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