Eiran Cashin’s journey from Derby County academy graduate to now officially a Premier League player is one not just Derby fans but football fans around the globe can appreciate.
Having joined the club at just five years old, Cashin has bled black and white for nearly two decades. His rise from the youth ranks to becoming a key figure in the first team showcased his unwavering commitment, even during the club’s financial struggles and relegation to League One.
When Derby needed him most, he stayed, helping them fight their way back to the Championship. Cashin, a stalwart for Derby in defense, has made 144 appearances and became club captain at just 23.
Cashin despite concerns of his lack of height, is a central defender who is strong in aerial duels and is calm and composed on the ball. He’s also shown his adaptability, playing different styles of football under different managers during Derby’s tumultuous period.
Cashin’s time with Derby caught the eye of Premier League clubs, and the youngster has secured his move in the January window to Brighton for a reported fee of £9 million, making him Derby’s most expensive academy graduate.
It’s common for fans to react negatively when homegrown players decide to leave their clubs for bigger opportunities. However, Cashin’s departure has been met with overwhelming support rather than resentment.
Derby supporters recognize his contributions and understand his ambition to play at the highest level. Unlike other academy graduates who have faced criticism for moving on, Cashin’s exit has been embraced as a well-earned step in his career.
His heartfelt goodbye message encapsulated his deep connection with Derby, stating how difficult the decision was but acknowledging that playing in the Premier League is a childhood dream he couldn’t pass up.
“Every young boy grows up dreaming of playing in the Premier League, and so I couldn’t let this opportunity pass me by. However, leaving the club that has made me who I am today has been one of the toughest decisions of my career,” said Cashin.
He also spoke about being with the club through thick and thin and thanking everyone at the club, “From relegation and administration to the joy of winning promotion, I must say the support the team and I have had throughout this time has been nothing other than immense. I would like to say thank you to every single fan, home and away. “
From Derby fans there’s been nothing but love and support for the young lad to go and achieve what he’s always dreamt of. One fan tweeted, “Eiran Cashin, thank you for your service. You deserve everything the Premier League will bring to you. Brighton, you’ve got yourself a brilliant player and a fine human being.”

Another fan reflected on his growth: “From two-footing fences in lockdown to becoming an accomplished Championship defender—he’s been here for the ups and downs. An absolute warrior who genuinely cared about our club.” The user also added on some of Cashin’s traits: “I’ll miss the thundering reducers and raking diagonals.”
@WinksFootball is already ready to hop onto Cashin on FPL, “We love you at Derby County, thank you for everything and hopefully we will see you again in a Derby shirt! Straight in my FPL!”
As a young Irishman, Cashin had the Ireland player tracker account tweeting about him: “At just 23, Cashin played 144 times for Derby and become club captain at a very young age. A player I’m a HUGE fan of. Superb ball playing CB with a mixture of that old school no nonsense defending!”
The overwhelming sentiment is that Cashin has earned this move, and Derby fans will be rooting for him every step of the way, while they will wish he returns back home at some point in his career.