Dion Sanderson’s impressive loan spell at Derby County looks set to be rewarded with a permanent stay. The Birmingham City defender is closing in on a full-time move after Derby agreed a transfer fee with the Blues.
According to Alan Nixon, Derby have reached an agreement in principle with Birmingham to sign Sanderson permanently for £350,000. The 26-year-old has been a key figure at the heart of the Rams’ defence this season and has rarely missed a minute since arriving on loan.
Derby have matched pre-season expectations in the Championship so far, sitting 12th in the table with 30 points from 21 matches. John Eustace guided the club to safety last season and now has his side just four points outside the play-off places. Defensively solid and effective going forward, Derby have scored 30 goals while conceding just 29, with Sanderson playing a central role in that balance.
Currently under contract at Birmingham City, Sanderson appears to have found stability again at Pride Park. His performances have helped convince Derby’s hierarchy to move quickly to secure his long-term future.
A graduate of Wolves’ academy, Sanderson’s career has followed a familiar path through the EFL via multiple loan spells. Early stints at Cardiff City and Sunderland provided experience, but it was his first loan move to Birmingham City during the 2021/22 season that truly raised his profile.
However, a second loan and eventual permanent switch to St Andrew’s did not deliver the same impact, and Sanderson slipped down the pecking order. That led to another temporary move at Blackburn Rovers before he joined Derby on loan in the summer.
With Birmingham promoted and Sanderson surplus to requirements, a permanent exit always seemed likely. Now, Derby are on the brink of making that move official, bringing an end to his loan status and securing a defender who has already become vital to their campaign.
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