Latest Birmingham City news from BirminghamLive brings you news of a deal that has taken place today
Dion Sanderson has signed for Derby County.(Image: Getty Images)
Derby County have completed the permanent signing of Birmingham City defender Dion Sanderson, the club has announced.
The centre-back has joined the Rams for an undisclosed fee, which DerbyshireLive understands to be in the six-figure range.
It represents another shrewd piece of business from Derby, with Sanderson having been an outstanding performer for the Rams since arriving on a season-long loan from Blues in the summer.
He has established himself as a crucial part of John Eustace’s squad since the campaign kicked off, with the centre-back having become a consistent presence at the heart of the defence.
The transfer also means Derby have opened up a loan slot as they head towards the January window, reports Derbyshire Live.
Discussing the deal, Sanderson said: “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.”
Sanderson has made 21 starts for Derby in the Championship this season and netted his maiden goal for the club in a 3-2 loss to Watford.He has linked up with head coach John Eustace on multiple occasions, having previously worked with him at QPR, Birmingham, Blackburn and now Derby.He has contributed to Derby stabilising their position in the Championship, with the club currently sitting in mid-table. Sanderson added: “Derby is just a massive club.
“I think 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. “I think 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. “
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