Derby County is on the verge of securing the services of Dutch midfielder Kenzo Goudmijn, with additional signings also in the pipeline for Pride Park.
Agreeing on a £600k fee and a four-year contract, Derby is set to bring in AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kenzo Goudmijn, marking their fourth acquisition this summer. Following a successful medical yesterday, the 22-year-old is poised to make his move to Pride Park. He will be part of a trio of newcomers at Derbyshire, alongside Ben Osborn, Kayden Jackson, and Jerry Yates.
Regarded as a talented playmaking midfielder, Goudmijn showcased his skills during a loan spell at Eredivisie side Excelsior Rotterdam last season. Despite his team’s relegation from the top tier, the imminent arrival at the Rams demonstrates his resilience and potential.
Amongst his achievements in a struggling side was providing four assists and creating seven significant opportunities in 22 appearances, highlighting his offensive prowess.
Goudmijn is not the sole player on the verge of joining from the Dutch top flight, as Derby edges closer to securing a new goalkeeper. Reports suggest that Mathew Ryan is poised to join Derby County.
Initial rumors linked Derby with a move for free agent goalkeeper Mathew Ryan in June, following the expiration of his contract. Recent updates reveal that the 32-year-old Australian is set to make his way to Derby after turning down multiple contract offers from AZ Alkmaar.
With 92 international caps for Australia, Ryan recorded 13 clean sheets in 29 outings for the Eredivisie club last season and even featured in European competitions, making five appearances in the Europa Conference League.
While excelling during his tenure at the Dutch outfit, Ryan is best known for his stints at Brighton and Arsenal, accumulating a total of 126 appearances. Ryan earned accolades for his performances, with veteran manager Chris Hughton praising him as “outstanding” following a notable victory against Newcastle in 2018.
The potential addition of Mathew Ryan at Derby County holds significance in the quest to replace Joe Wildsmith. The departure of Wildsmith, recipient of the League One Golden Glove Award, left big shoes to fill, despite Derby boasting the division’s strongest defense last season.
Given his experience with 124 Premier League appearances, Ryan presents a substantial upgrade over Wildsmith in terms of skill and pedigree as a goalkeeper. As Derby prepares for the challenges in the Championship, the presence of a commanding figure like Ryan in goal promises to instill confidence and solidity in the team’s defensive setup.
Derby’s backline, renowned for its strength, is likely to face tougher tests in the Championship, making the inclusion of a seasoned goalkeeper like Ryan all the more crucial. His ability to handle high-pressure scenarios, both at club level and on the international stage, positions him as an ideal choice to bolster Derby County’s defensive stability.
