Exclusive: Derby County hailed for beating Leeds United and Sunderland to "big statement" signing | OneFootball

Sky Sports pundit Lee Hendrie has given his thoughts on Bobby Clark's move to Derby County.

Securing the loan signings of Bobby Clark and Dion Sanderson this week, Derby County are continuing to form an exciting blend of youth and experience ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

The former joins on loan from Austrian Bundesliga side RB Salzburg on loan, after moving to the club just a year ago in a deal worth around £10 million.

Even at 20, the midfielder brings experience from the Premier League, Champions League and Europa League, and is another exciting addition to John Eustace's ranks, after the Rams squad has undergone a complete transformation this summer.

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Sky Sports pundit Lee Hendrie was asked whether Clark is an exciting coup for Derby, and he spoke with nothing but praise for both the player and the move itself.

"A really good fit" - Lee Hendrie drops Derby loan claim

"I think that this is a big, big signing for Derby," said Hendrie, speaking positively about the prospect of Clark lining up for the Rams this term.

"I think this is a big statement showing what they are trying to do. I know that they have some experienced heads in there, and then bring the dynamics of some younger players who can add to that experience."

As per the Chronicle Live, Clark reportedly turned down approaches from newly promoted Premier League sides Leeds and Sunderland, and Hendrie emphasised that the game time and match exposure at Pride Park would have been a key factor in his decision.

"Looking at him going to Derby, I would not be surprised if he is going to play week in and week out. Was that going to be the case if he signed for Leeds or Sunderland?"

The former Liverpool and Newcastle academy member excelled at youth level for the former, scoring five times and providing six assists for Liverpool Under-21s.

"Knowing that Eustace wants to play in the right way, and with the surrounding experience, I think that it is a really good fit. And I can understand why he has chosen to sign for Derby," concluded Hendrie.

Derby have a fantastic blend of youth and experience

Taking over in the second half of last term, John Eustace was able to steer Derby to safety following their ascent back to the second tier the season prior.

This summer, he has overseen a complete transformation of the squad, and the argument can be made that the Rams have had one of the best transfer windows in the whole division.

Experienced professionals Andi Weimann, Danny Batth and Carlton Morris have arrived, with Eustace having spent time with the first two during his time at Blackburn Rovers.

Youngster Owen Beck has also joined the club on loan from Liverpool after spending time under Eustace at Ewood Park. And this has been complemented with the signings of Patrick Agyemang, Rhian Brewster, David Ozoh and Dion Sanderson, as the Rams look to surge up the standings and further stabilise in the Championship.

With a group of highly exciting youngsters and an extremely strong and Championship-proven core, Derby look to have nailed their squad building on paper.

While the Rams are not expected to find themselves among the promotion places come May, the gelling of this squad could place them as an outside shout for a play-off push.

Derby get their Championship campaign underway on the road against Stoke City this weekend, and three points on their travels would be a fantastic way to open the campaign after an exciting summer window.