Szmodics Closing in On Derby Switch
Monday, 2nd Feb 2026 20:10

Sammie Szmodics is closing in on a move to Derby County after the Rams made a late approach for the Republic of Ireland forward, TWTD understands.

A deal sheet is understood to have gone in ahead of the 7pm deadline with a loan rather than permanent switch looking on the cards given the timescale. Once a deal sheet has gone in, clubs have until 9pm to complete a move.

Derby, managed by Szmodics’s former Blackburn boss John Eustace, made an approach regarding a permanent deal for Szmodics late last week but no fee could be agreed between the clubs for the 30-year-old.

A loan move means Szmodics, who is contracted to Town until the summer of 2028, won’t be able to face the Blues when the teams meet at Pride Park on Saturday.

Wrexham, who also made an approach last week, looked elsewhere today, signing Bailey Cadamarteri from Sheffield Wednesday and Davis Keillor-Dunn from Barnsley, however, other Championship sides also showed loan interest on deadline day.

The Blues are reported to have made a number of offers to Millwall for 24-year-old winger Femi Azeez, however, claims Town were prepared to break the Lions’ transfer record to make the signing are believed to be wide of the mark. It’s likely Azeez was viewed as a potential replacement for Szmodics.

Town's only incoming business on deadline day were the expected additions of U21s players Ryan Doherty from Stevenage and Frankie Runham on loan from Chelsea.

Central midfielder Doherty, 17, joins on a permanent basis, while forward Runham, 19, is initially on loan but with the move set to be made permanent in the summer if an option is triggered.

Town had looked for a senior striker over the course of the window but ultimately brought no one in to add to their existing number nine options, George Hirst, Ivan Azon and Chuba Akpom.

It’s understood a number of potential new attacking recruits were put to manager Kieran McKenna but the Blues boss felt none were better than the players already at his disposal.

Elsewhere, former Blues loanee Kalvin Phillips joined Sheffield United on loan from Manchester City.

Photo: Matchday Images

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poet added 21:19 - Feb 2 For a striker, or for that matter a number 10, pace is essential in this league and more so in the Premiership. Sadly for Szmodics, that’s exactly what he lacks. Couple that with injuries, I personally don’t think we’ll miss him too much whilst he’s on loan at Derby.
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armchaircritic59 added 21:26 - Feb 2

No problem with that, SS would have had it made clear to him that his future was elsewhere, by just leaving him out of the matchday squad for Preston. If it turned out he stayed, we'd likely have one rather unhappy player, who was told one thing and then 2 days later told the opposite. Which isn't the way I expect this club to operate. Assuming he goes tonight, I wish him well and thank him for his service to ITFC.

As for the KM comment about not liking any of the potential new striking options put to him, as they were no better in his eyes, than any we have here now. My first thought is if absolutely true, it's sensible. My second thought is, who on earth were they? We have 3 forwards ( not strikers- they don't, strike that is ), who when starting the last 11 games between them have scored 1 goal, and in the last 18 when starting, have scored 2. Now I would say whatever system any team employs that is an abysmal record. I doubt very much we will find out, due to the " Mushroom syndrome " They keep us in the dark and feed us bullshit. But my word it would be interesting to know. Must have been some very poor ones.

budgieplucker added 21:30 - Feb 2

Thinking about this, it could actually be a very very astute move for Town. Let's all hope he rediscovers his form, he is only loaned out (not definitely leaving the club) with the congestion for places at Town he could serve us mych better by helping Derby get the better of the likes of Coventry Millwall Hull and Stoke all potential top six rivals they still have to meet rather than contributing little from the bench at PR.

Carberry added 21:44 - Feb 2 So the Club (Ashton) has laid the blame at McKenna's door. We gave him options but he didn't want any of them. Messages like that don't get out by accident.
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Granthamblue62 added 23:50 - Feb 2 I totally agree with some posts on here. Recruitment past 2 years has been patchy at best. I have absolutely no faith in the current striker options. Akpom, Azon and Hirst all toothless in front of goal. Play offs at best I'm afraid. Complete lack of vision from the high ups.
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Jugsy added 11:28 - Feb 3

Sammy lost his head a while ago, cut a frustrated figure and was a negative energy on the pitch. For all our hopes with me, it's not delivered the way anyone wanted. Mehmeti already looks like he fits the system better and Nunez is our preferred 10, so best for all parties to dip out.

Also, who cares about the transfer fees?! A loan to Derby means he can't play against us, same as Chappers. Looking after player interests makes us an amenable destination for players, that we won't stand in their way should interests change. Derby will take points from teams we're competing against and surely we back ourselves to do better than them.

We've literally had a two-game blip and now everyone is going nuts. Social media, keyboard warriors, nay-sayers are killing the fun and enjoyment of being a supporter. All this 'i'm entitled to an opinion' nonsense. Didn't your parents ever tell you if you haven't got something nice to say then don't say it!? 'I know better than the club' BS that people spout it absolute garage. Back the manager, back the team and appreciate the progress the club has made - or find something else to fulfil your day.