According to John Eustace, Lars-Jørgen Salvesen was able to leave Derby County before the deadline.
The forward’s future at Pride Park was uncertain in the final days of the transfer window, having battled for consistent playing time under the 46-year-old.
He came off the bench in the Rams’ 2-0 victory over Portsmouth on Tuesday night, but it was his goal that sealed the win.
The Norwegian came off the bench to score after Sammie Szmodics put the Championship team ahead at Fratton Park.
This was Eustace’s team’s first win of the new season, giving them four points out of a possible 12.
Salvesen joined Derby in the January 2025 transfer window, and he has made 43 league appearances since moving from Viking.
John Eustace confirmed Lars-Jørgen Salvesen’s transfer scenario.
Eustace has alleged that Salvesen had the option to leave Derby before the transfer market closed on Tuesday evening, which could explain why he was on the bench against Pompey.
However, he applauded the forward’s dedication towards the situation and said he was rewarded with a beautiful goal at Fratton Park.
“There’s been a lot going on off the field with Larsy over the week,” Eustace told the BBC.
Lars-Jorgen Salvesen’s Derby County league goals and appearances (source: Fbref.com)
Season
Appearances (starts)
Goals (Assists).
2024-25
8 (6)
1 (0)
2025-26
31 (3)
3 (2)
2026-27
4 (1)
1 (0)
As of September 2nd.
“Obviously, there were options for him to go on loan.
“Today, there was an opportunity for him to go, but he chose not to, which is why I did not start him.
“I thought his attitude on Saturday was fantastic, especially since he didn’t know if this was going to be his home.
“But he’s got his rewards tonight with a fantastic strike, he’s a fantastic person most importantly, and when he plays for the football club he never lets you down.”
He joined the club in January 2025, but an injury early on hampered his progress.
The 30-year-old has only started 10 league games for the Rams, but he was in the starting lineup for last weekend’s 3-0 defeat to Stoke City.
Salvesen came off the bench to score Derby’s second goal just after the hour mark, propelling the team to its first win of the season.
How Derby County fans feel about Lars-Jørgen Salvesen’s transfer choice.
Derby fans have applauded Salvesen for his dedication to the club after he decided to stay at Pride Park.
Lars-Jørgen Salvesen’s goal could boost his Derby career.
Salvesen’s Derby career hasn’t really taken off in the last 18 months, but this goal could be the beginning of something fresh.
The forward only scored three goals in the league last season, starting three of his 31 games, but he might now step up for Eustace after sticking with the club.
Derby will need a new source of goals with Patrick Agyemang out for at least a few months, so Salvesen taking on that role may be vital for Eustace.
Getting their first win of the season is critical for the Rams, and it might also jumpstart their own campaign following a disappointing pair of opening weekends.
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