Wed 31 Dec - Posted in Breaking News
Time to read: 3mins
Dion Sanderson says he ‘can’t wait to give everything for the club’ after signing for Derby County on a full-time basis.
The 26-year-old made his loan move from fellow Sky Bet Championship side Birmingham City permanent on Wednesday afternoon after impressing for the Rams throughout the opening half of the 2025/26 campaign.
Sanderson, who has penned a contract until the summer of 2028, has made 24 appearances for Derby in league and cup already this term, netting his first Derby goal against Watford in November.
A defender with significant Championship pedigree, the Wolves Academy graduate has made 138 appearances in the second tier across spells with Cardiff City, Birmingham City, Queens Park Rangers, Blackburn Rovers and Derby.
Now a permanent member of the Rams’ squad, Sanderson told RamsTV he will look to repay the faith shown in him by giving his all for the shirt in every game he plays.
It's exciting and a massive honour. I can’t thank the lads, the staff and the fans enough for giving me such a great time so far. Long may it continue.
At the start, I just wanted to get my head down and play, and I've been grateful for the opportunity of being able to do that. But over the past few weeks there have been a few conversations [about joining permanently], and thankfully we got it over the line.
Derby is my home now and I can't wait to just give everything for the club. They have given me the opportunity to make this place a home and I'm forever grateful for that.
Now I know it's my home, I can get my head down and aim to kick on for the seasons ahead.
Derby is just a massive club. With me knowing the gaffer [John Eustace] well helped, but even if he wasn't here, it was a move that I'd want to make.
The fans have been amazing for me personally as well. I've really enjoyed going out and playing for them.
The lads that are here now are a great bunch of boys. I couldn't picture myself anywhere else right now; Derby is the one for me.
They've been amazing. It is my job to do the business on the pitch, to keep growing as a player and keep showing what I can do, but they've taken me in so well.
I've really enjoyed playing under them, especially at home. I hope they keep supporting us as a team throughout the whole season and hopefully we have a successful one.
We've got a great bunch of lads, loads of characters, which always helps you join a group. If new lads need to come in, settle down, I'm sure we'll all make them feel welcome.
I’ve had a few of the boys ask if I’m staying, so hopefully they will all be happy with the news. Lewis Travis doesn’t give me a yard in training, so I’m sure he’ll be excited!
