Tommy Watson pre-match for Brighton, with John Eustace in a circular inset

Tommy Watson is a loan target for Derby CountyImago

Sources: Derby County set sights on Brighton's Tommy Watson

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Published on:

14 Jul 2026, 7:51 am

Derby County have joined a number of EFL clubs in the race to sign Brighton's Tommy Watson on loan, sources have told Football Insider.

The 20-year-old has been made available by Brighton after failing to break into Fabian Hurzeler's plans, placing a number of Championship clubs on alert over his situation.

Derby have become the latest side to join the race as John Eustace views the addition of a new winger as a priority given a lack of depth out wide.

Interest in Watson comes following what proved to be a frustrating loan spell at Millwall in the second half of last season, where he started just two Championship games.

Brighton are keen for him to continue his development in the second tier, where he shone with Sunderland before his move in 2025, and Derby are now ready to make a move.

Watson's contract at the Amex is set to run until 2029, and they have high hopes for his future, with a loan to the second tier seen as the ideal step.

How do Brighton feel about letting Tommy Watson leave?

Football Insider revealed on 19 May that Brighton have not been convinced by Watson and are planning to send him out on loan to further his development.

During his short spell under Hurzeler at the start of last season the winger made headlines by racking up three assists in one game as Brighton beat Barnsley in the League Cup.

The occasional top-class performance at Brighton, as well as his form for Sunderland before the move, has inspired interest from a number of leading Championship sides.

Derby are set to challenge for promotion in the upcoming season, having fallen just four points shy of Hull last time out, and view Watson as an upgrade on their current options.

However, they are far from alone in their pursuit, with a number of promotion hopefuls keeping a close eye on his situation with moves in mind.

Eustace hopes his side will be able to lure Watson in ahead of their rivals, with Derby prioritising the addition of a winger following the departures of Ben Brereton Diaz and Jaydon Banel.

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Who else is interested in signing Watson?

Derby are far from the only club keeping tabs on Watson's situation, with the Brighton winger at the centre of a multi-club race as a result of his availability.

A number of Championship clubs are in the race after his spells at Millwall and Sunderland, but there is also interest from high-profile clubs in Europe.

Football Insider exclusively revealed following last summer's transfer window that Porto are big admirers of Watson and have been keeping tabs on his development.

The Portuguese giants made a move to sign the winger before his move to Brighton, but were beaten by their Premier League rivals and he opted to move to the Amex.

However, they are believed to be keeping a close eye on his situation, and could be tempted to reignite their interest after he was made available.

Thomas Watson