Szmodics set for permanent Town exit amid appearance clause reports

The 31-year-old joined the Blues from Blackburn Rovers in the summer of 2024, notching five goals in 39 appearances before joining Championship side Derby on loan for the second half of the 2025/26 campaign.

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The Rams then re-signed him on loan in early August, amid interest from Wrexham and Birmingham City, with an appearance-based obligation to sign him permanently included in the deal.

Derbyshire Live have since reported that the obligation has already been triggered, with Szmodics playing eight games in all competitions so far this season.

It remains to be seen how much John Eustace's side will pay for the Republic of Ireland international. If Derby remain in the second tier, the fee will be £2.7m, but it will rise to around £5m if they secure promotion to the Premier League.