Derby County has already pulled off some eye-catching summer deals, and it appears they are close to making another.

Bobby Clark, who had a good loan spell at RB Salzburg last season, has returned to Pride Park on a permanent basis, making him one of the Rams’ most recent acquisitions.

Derby have also signed two left-sided players on free transfers, Charlie Taylor and Filip Bilbija, as they seek to strengthen John Eustace’s team.

The East Midlands club is now on the verge of signing a player recognisable to Rams followers from recently promoted Ipswich Town.

Sammie Szmodics nears Derby County return from Ipswich Town

Sammie Szmodics joined Derby on loan from Ipswich at the end of the winter transfer window and helped the Rams to an unlikely play-off push.

The attacking midfielder scored three goals and provided one assist in 13 games as Eustace’s team finished eighth, missing out on the top six in the last game of the season.

Szmodics joined the Tractor Boys in the summer of 2024, when the club won promotion to the Premier League, although an ankle injury limited his impact in the top division.

The Republic of Ireland international struggled to match his good performances at Blackburn Rovers, despite being used more as a wide player under Kieran McKenna.

Derby are currently in advanced talks with Ipswich about re-signing the 30-year-old, according to The Telegraph’s John Percy.

The journalist notes that a deal is not yet finalised, with either a loan or a permanent move being discussed, but the Rams are getting closer to an agreement.

Would Szmodics be a good addition to Derby?

Given that Szmodics was only on loan at Pride Park for a few months, it is difficult to determine his effectiveness for the Rams.

After joining Eustace from Ipswich, the 30-year-old was promptly integrated into the team and played as an offensive midfielder, starting every game.

Aside from his respectable goal total, his underlying statistics were encouraging, with the Irishman being in the top 14% of Championship players in his position for expected goals (xG) and non-penalty xG, according to Fotmob.

Derby supporters have varied feelings about the player, with some impressed by his track record and others concerned about his age and injury history.

Perhaps the most hopeful evidence is his friendship with Eustace, who managed Szmodics at Blackburn and helped him score 27 goals in a single season.

If he does join the Rams, he will have a full season to prove himself in the East Midlands, and if it is a loan, the deal will not be as risky as a permanent move.

Whatever happens, if he re-signs with Derby, they will be receiving a player with significant Championship experience, an encouraging goal record, and someone Eustace clearly trusts.