Szmodics Set to Rejoin Derby On Loan
Thursday, 30th Jul 2026 15:30

TWTD understands departing forward Sammie Szmodics is set to rejoin Championship Derby County on a season-long loan with an obligation to buy.

Szmodics, who is contracted to Town until the summer of 2028, spent the second half of 2025/26 on loan at Pride Park with manager John Eustace, the 30-year-old’s boss at Blackburn prior to his £9 million move to the Blues in the summer of 2024, making no secret that he wanted the Irish international to return.

Town would ideally have wanted a permanent switch but with Szmodics’s wage having increased following the Blues’ promotion to the Premier League, that wasn’t possible and so a loan for this season and an obligation to buy next summer has been negotiated.

Speaking last night, Town manager Gary O’Neil said he anticipated Szmodics’s exit being confirmed soon.

“I can see something happening with Szmods,” O’Neil said. “He’s been been a fantastic servant for the club, top guy, but there’s a few bits going on.

“Szmods has had a bit of a sore knee, but I can see in the next few days that potentially Szmods will move.”

Szmodics made 22 starts and 17 sub appearances for the Blues, scoring five goals, all but one in the 2024/25 Premier League season.

Photo: Matchday Images

Please report offensive, libellous or inappropriate posts by using the links provided.

Page:
1
2

Klassic_Ben added 20:42 - Jul 30 Regardless of what went on behind the scenes (or not?) it’s pretty clear that Szmodics time here is up - best to get this sorted & move him on asap. Was really excited when we signed him tbh & even though there were a couple of good moments overall his time here will be remembered as massively disappointing.
0

Wakh added 21:32 - Jul 30

Cookieboy

If we sold Sammy at a loss it will reduce our book profit and therefore reduce this season's transfer budget under the restrictions of PSR.

A season loan with an obligation to buy is great for town. It covers costs and sees another year of his contract amortised so we can then show a profit on him.

The obligation to buy after 5 games is a) ridiculous and b) wouldn't allow for the additional year's amortisation. That would make the loan absolutely pointless.

RetroBlue added 08:50 - Jul 31

Classic Ben: i doubt the club would be willing to sell, loan , give away a player at a significant loss just a season after chasing him for so longband paying way over the odds, if he hadn't done anything behind the scenes! The other player's significantly picked up once SS had left the club.

I will put on record, before SS joined us id always wished we had him as I really liked him. But he didnt perform as he had at other clubs.... but there was a definite incident at the club, and sadly he had to go. Cabt get ut right in the market all the time I guess.