Dion Sanderson has impressed on loan at Derby County thus far, and the Birmingham City player is certain to stay.
Derby County and Birmingham City have agreed on a cost for the permanent acquisition of loanee Dion Sanderson, according to Alan Nixon.
So far, Derby County’s current Championship table position has been consistent with preseason projections. DCFC is presently ranked 12th, having earned 30 points from 21 games.
John Eustace kept the Rams in the second division last season, and the 46-year-old now has the East Midlands club just four points away from a play-off spot. Derby County has been statistically as strong defensively as they have offensively, scoring 30 goals while conceding only 29.
Dion Sanderson, an on-loan centre back, has been a constant presence in the DCFC backline, and it appears that a deal has been reached for him to continue on a long-term basis.
The 26-year-old is currently tied to Birmingham City, but according to Alan Nixon, the Rams have reached an agreement in principle with the Blues to recruit Sanderson on a permanent basis for £350,000.
Dion Sanderson’s Journey to Derby County
Sanderson, a Wolves academy graduate, took the traditional route of many loan periods in the EFL to gain experience in English professional football.
There were initial loan spells with Cardiff City and Sunderland, but his temporary move to Birmingham City drew his attention, with him spending six months with the club in the first half of the 2021/22 season.
Sanderson, however, unable to replicate his performance in his first season at St. Andrew’s on a second loan and later a permanent deal. He fell down the pecking order, culminating in a loan to Blackburn Rovers before joining Derby County in the summer.
Following the Blues’ promotion, it was possible that he might leave permanently in the summer. However, as DCFC nears a deal, he appears to be in line for the swap.
Dion Sanderson’s professional appearances by club
Club appearances
Birmingham City 97
Sunderland 27
Derby County: 22
Blackburn Rovers: 12
Queens Park Rangers: 12
Cardiff City: 10
Dion Sanderson strengthens Derby County’s defensive options.
Sanderson has started 19 of 21 league games since joining Pride Park in the summer, where he reunited with his old Blackburn Rovers manager Eustace. His form has earned him the third-most minutes in the Derby County squad across all competitions.
The permanent signing of Sanderson would be wise business for DCFC, getting the services of a defender approaching his peak years with over 130 second-tier outings to his name. Not only that, but it opens up another loan space for January.
The loanee plays regularly alongside Matt Clarke and Sondre Langas, with the latter joining a formidable backline after returning from injury.
Fellow centerbacks Curtis Nelson, Danny Batth, as well as versatile operators Callum Elder and Craig Forsyth, are all 30 to 36 years old.
Derby County appears to be moving quickly ahead of the January transfer market, which opens in a few weeks.
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