“Don’t allow him to go anywhere”: Eustace fights to keep Leeds‑linked star at Derby
When rumours surfaced of a £6 million swoop for Derby County’s loaned‑in talent, manager John Eustace was swift to dispel them — insisting his club have no intention of losing their breakout performer anytime soon. The drama centres around Bobby Clark, currently on loan at Derby from RB Salzburg, who has been reportedly linked with a permanent move to Celtic in January. (The72 – Football League News)
A surprise claim meets a firm reaction
At a recent press conference, Eustace revealed he was hearing of the Celtic speculations for the first time. “It’s the first I’ve heard of it, so that’s interesting,” he said. But he was equally clear about his stance: “We certainly don’t want to lose him.” (The72 – Football League News)
He went on to emphasise why Clark is such a valued piece in his set‑up:
“We brought Bobby in to help develop him, to give him a platform to perform, and he’s certainly done that up to now. There’s a lot more to come.” (The72 – Football League News)
Eustace was keen to underline the environment Derby are trying to build — one that nurtures young players, gives them chances, and ideally keeps them in the building for the long haul. “This is the culture and the environment that we set here at Derby. The players that have come are going to be developed properly.” (The72 – Football League News)
The financial whisper: £6 million and Celtic interest
Reports, most notably from The Times and carried by media outlets, have suggested Celtic are closing in on a £6m bid for Clark. (The72 – Football League News) The logic is straightforward: the Scottish giants routinely chase young, high‑potential talent, and Clark fits the bill.
But whether that move actually comes to pass — and whether RB Salzburg, who own his contract, will sanction it — remains to be seen. Eustace was careful to emphasise that, for now, Clark remains Derby’s player, and that his own focus was firmly on maximising his impact between now and January. “January’s a long way away … Let’s just keep giving him some important minutes.” (thescottishsun.co.uk)
Stakes, nuance, and what it all means
The spectre of losing a key contributor midseason is never far from a manager’s mind. For a club like Derby, which is often navigating tight margins in the Championship, losing someone like Clark could mean recalibrating tactics, team balance, and ambitions.
Eustace’s public determination to “not allow him to go anywhere” is as much a message to his own dressing room as it is to outside observers: despite interest from bigger outfits, Derby intends to fight for their assets. It also carries a psychological edge — signalling to Clark that he is valued and that his progress is meaningful to his current club.
However, the real power lies with Salzberg and Celtic. If a deal is offered that matches a valuation they find acceptable, and Clark himself is tempted, it may be beyond Derby’s control. But the fact that Eustace immediately moved to deny the claims, and to frame them as outsider speculation, suggests he wants to head off any destabilisation that might stem from persistent rumours.
A manager’s gamble on continuity
Eustace’s reaction is consistent with a manager who aims to build — not just win. Since taking charge at Derby earlier in 2025, succeeding Paul Warne, he has spoken of long‑term vision and foundation work. (ITVX) Retaining a promising talent like Clark could be integral to that plan.
But the coming weeks will be telling. If Celtic formally approach with an offer, Derby must decide whether to sell or stand firm. If they choose the latter, pressure will mount — from the media, from agents, and perhaps from the player himself.
For now, though, Eustace’s message is firm and simple: “We certainly don’t want him to go anywhere.” The real question: can Derby back that resolve when the time comes?
