Derby County are close to signing Dutch midfielder Kenzo Goudmijn and he isn’t the only player nearing a move to Pride Park.
Derby have agreed to a £600k fee and a four-year deal to sign AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kenzo Goudmijn, who will become their fourth signing of the summer.
The 22-year-old underwent his medical yesterday ahead of a move to Pride Park. He will join a trio of new players in Derbyshire, including Ben Osborn, Kayden Jackson and Jerry Yates.
Goudmijn is a promising creative midfielder, who spent last season on loan at Eredivisie outfit Excelsior Rotterdam. Sadly, the club were relegated from the top flight however, the Rams’ incoming arrival could hold his head high.
In a struggling side, he mustered four assists and created seven big chances in 22 appearances, underlining his qualities as an attacking force.
Goudmijn isn’t the only player set to join from the Dutch top flight, as Derby close in on a new goalkeeper.
Mathew Ryan is on his way to Derby County
Reports linked Derby with a move for free-agent goalkeeper Mathew Ryan in June, with the Australian’s contract now expired.
A fresh update has since emerged in their pursuit of the 32-year-old, with Dutch outlet Voetbal Primeur revealing that Ryan is on his way to Derby after rejecting several contract proposals from AZ Alkmaar.
The 92-cap Australia International kept 13 clean sheets in 29 appearances for the Eredivisie outfit last term and even featured in Europe, playing five times in the Europa Conference League.
Whilst he flourished in his two campaigns at the Dutch giants, Ryan is more readily known for spending four seasons combined at Brighton and Arsenal, where he featured on 126 occasions.
At the Seagulls, he became an instant hit under Chris Hughton, with the veteran manager lauding him as “outstanding” after a 1-0 victory over Newcastle in October 2018.
Mathew Ryan would be the perfect Joe Wildsmith replacement
Replacing Joe Wildsmith was highest on the list of priorities this summer. Derby surprisingly let the 28-year-old depart at the end of his contract after winning the League One Golden Glove Award.
Indeed, the Rams boasted the best defence in the division last term with 37 goals conceded across 46 matches but Paul Warne felt it was a position he could improve.
Ryan – who has made 124 appearances in the Premier League – would be a huge upgrade on Wildsmith due to the pedigree and quality he possesses between the sticks.
There’s no doubt that Derby’s defence is arguably the strongest part of their starting XI currently however, the solidity of it will be tested far more in the Championship.
Warne needs a commanding goalkeeper in between the sticks, who knows how to handle high-pressure situations. At club level and on the international stage, Ryan has proven he can command a defence and create an unwavering confidence in his ability.
Those two attributes will be vitally important as Derby attempt to stay in the Championship.