Sammie Szmodics, who previously played alongside John Eustace at Blackburn Rovers, has joined Derby County from Ipswich Town.

Szmodics’ best season of his career came just two years ago at Blackburn, when Eustace arrived in February and guided the club to safety on the penultimate day.

The 30-year-old scored 27 goals in the league, helping them survive and finish 19th. Eustace relegated Birmingham City in the process. However, he quickly moved to join Derby County, where he has remained since.

In the process, Ipswich were promoted for the second season in a row under McKenna. The Northern Irishman failed to secure survival, but Szmodics was signed and scored seven goals and added two assists in 23 games last season.

Sammie Szmodics’ terms of agreement with Derby County following his loan from Ipswich Town

Szmodics has struggled at Ipswich after relegation, with only one goal and eight starts in 18 games in all competitions. Marcelino Nunez and wingers are frequently employed in center positions in the 4-2-3-1.

Injuries have had an impact, with Szmodics appearing in only four of the league’s last 18 games. The offensive midfielder is now set for a change of scenery and a new beginning.

Szmodics has 48 goals or assists in 134 games, and teaming with Eustace could bring out the best in him again. Wrexham or Derby might have moved for Szmodics before the deadline.

Derby won the race, despite Stoke City’s interest in a deal with Ipswich. There had also been speculation earlier in the window that Szmodics could relocate to Derby permanently before the deadline.

With four loan spaces presently taken up in the Rams’ ranks, there was room for one more before the window closed, with a loan agreement between the two teams the most likely path Derby would take to complete a move.

A compromise has been reached, but Stuart Watson of the East Anglian Daily Times has exposed the details. Finally, a temporary loan agreement was reached with Ipswich, with “terms for a permanent switch likely to be revisited in the summer”.

It’s only a temporary deal, but you’d expect the midfielder to shine this season and possibly land a permanent deal, even if he turns 31 soon after.

Sammie Szmodics’ career statistics indicate that he could be the difference for Derby County.

The Eustace element with Szmodics was possibly crucial. He has already reconnected with several former Blackburn Rovers players at Pride Park, including Danny Batth, Dion Sanderson, Lewis Travis, and Andreas Weimann.

Szmodics can play box-to-box, off the left, or cutting in, but his greatest role is as a No.10, which is where Eustace is likely to use him in his current team configuration.

Sammie Szmodic’s Career Statistics

Team

Appearances and Goals

Assists

Colchester United had 162 points, Braintree Town had 3 points, Bristol City had 4 points, Peterborough United had 96 points, Blackburn Rovers had 91 points, Ipswich Town had 39 points, and Republic of Ireland had one point.

11 0 0

In the correct system, Szmodics ensures goals at this level. His ability to crash the box, arrive on the end of cutbacks, and shoot well with either foot? At this level, he is unrivaled, and Ipswich will be disappointed not to witness his best.

Their loss is Eustace’s game, where he has the potential to make the difference in Derby’s play-off chase if he can regain full fitness, consistency, and rhythm.