Groningen central defender Mike te Wierik has told reporters for RTV OOG he wants to sign for Derby County in the summer and grab the opportunity with both hands.
The Rams were heavily linked with the Dutch club’s captain in late January.
(Photo by ANP Sport via Getty Images).
A permanent deal, however, couldn’t be reached and now Derby will seek to sign the 27-year-old on a free transfer this summer when his contract expires.
Speaking to reporters, te Wierik provides an update on the situation.
We are going to try to complete the deal within a certain time. I hope it will be okay. Then I’ll go there for next season. It’s a dream for me to play football in England and if that chance comes up, you have to take it. I am now 27 years old and can hardly wait any longer. Groningen also made an excellent offer to me and I am very grateful to them for that, but I had the option of Derby County next to it. I now want to grab it with both hands.
Mik te Wierik impresses in Holland’s top flight:
Mike te Wierik joined Groningen from Heracles in 2017.
The club captain has been in excellent form for Groningen this season, helping the side keep the second-best defensive record in the Eredivisie.
Te Wierik boasts an 87.4% pass-accuracy rate. He is a ball-playing central defender, and his evident leadership qualities will be welcomed at Pride Park.
Derby were on the lookout for a new central defender during January.
Richard Keogh’s sacking has left the Rams short on numbers at the back. Curtis Davies, Andre Wisdom and Brighton loanee Matt Clarke are providing the options.
(Photo by Angelo Blankespoor/Soccrates/Getty Images).
Manager Phillip Cocu has a big summer ahead of him at Pride Park. And the signing of te Wierik could be the start of several Dutch players heading to the East Midlands.
Also see: Reported £13m Derby target suggests move to league rivals was set weeks ago
Also see: Owner fumes as reported Derby target’s wage demands blocked £1.5m move to league rivals