Derby County are preparing to turn Dion Sanderson's successful loan stint into a permanent transfer when the January window opens, following the defender's impressive revival under manager John Eustace.
From Surplus to Star Performer
Sanderson joined Derby on loan from Birmingham City during the summer 2025 transfer window, reuniting with his former Blues boss. The move came after he was deemed surplus to requirements at St Andrew's by current Birmingham head coach Chris Davies, having barely featured for the club.
The 26-year-old centre-back has seized his opportunity at Pride Park, starting 19 of Derby's 21 Championship matches so far this season. His consistent performances have been a key factor for the Rams, who currently sit one place and one point above Birmingham in the league table.
Eustace Hails Career Resurrection
Derby manager John Eustace has made no secret of his admiration for the player, crediting the club for giving Sanderson a platform to succeed after others had lost faith. "We've brought him in where a lot of people had probably given up on him and he was maybe going elsewhere – and we've given him an opportunity," Eustace told BBC Radio Derby.
"He's done very well. I've been really pleased with his form. He's only going to get better and that's between the two clubs now," he added, confirming that permanent transfer negotiations will be left to the respective club hierarchies.
Permanent Deal on the Horizon
Speculation is mounting that Derby will move to secure Sanderson on a full-time basis in the upcoming transfer window. Birmingham City, who paid £2million to sign him from Wolverhampton Wanderers in the summer of 2023, are understood to be open to a sale.
Sanderson is a familiar figure at Birmingham, having played 97 games across three separate stints at the club, including two previous loan spells. However, his future now appears to lie with their Championship rivals, as he looks to build on the career resurgence sparked by his move to Derby County.
