John Eustace is keen to sign one Championship promotion winner who has thrived at both Sunderland and Celtic as he hopes to solve Derby County’s woes.
Derby County have faced a challenging start to the 2025/26 Championship season, having notched two points in their opening four games.
The Rams closed in on their first victory of the campaign, but a late penalty deep into added time against Ipswich Town saw Derby County denied.
John Eustace is keen to add to his ranks after the difficulties his side have faced so far, with there being an expectation that the Rams can add a few new faces before the transfer window draws to a conclusion.
One player who has been targeted boasts brilliant Championship experience, and Derby County could find themselves with one huge advantage in the pursuit.
Patrick Roberts of Sunderland takes to the field
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Derby County target Sunderland and former Celtic star Patrick Roberts
It has been reported, via Alan Nixon on Patreon, that Derby County are willing to sign Sunderland and former Celtic star Patrick Roberts before the summer transfer window closes.
Nixon claims that Derby County are willing to offer a three-year contract to the winger in a permanent deal, which gives the Rams an advantage over several Championship clubs, who have only enquired over a potential loan.
Following Sunderland’s promotion to the Premier League, which has been a catalyst to the Black Cats to make several high-profile signings, Roberts has been left surplus to requirements, and his club are willing to sanction a sale as a result.
John Eustace is the Derby County manager
Photo by Jon Hobley/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Sunderland and Celtic spells will excite Rams fans over Patrick Roberts link
With the experience that Patrick Roberts holds, Derby County fans will be eager to see a deal completed for the winger.
Having played 147 appearances for Sunderland, predominantly in the Championship, he has managed nine goals and 18 assists. His true quality particularly shone, however, in Scotland with Celtic.
Roberts managed an emphatic 44 goal contributions for Celtic in just 78 games. This includes a goal in an away draw against Man City in the Champions League in the 2016/17 season.
Whilst at Celtic, he made a brilliant impression, to the point where former Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney ‘begged’ him to return to the club, according to the Scottish Sun.
With an extra attacker of Roberts’ calibre through the door, John Eustace will hope that his side can kick on after the international break and notch their first Championship win.