Derby County now want to sign an ‘outstanding’ former Arsenal goalkeeper to replace Joe Wildsmith.
Paul Warne shocked most Derby supporters when he chose to release Joe Wildsmith at the end of his contract.
Wildsmith often divided opinion among Derby fans however, he ended the season in inspired form and collected the Golden Glove Award after keeping 20 clean sheets in 40 league appearances.
The 28-year-old is now on the lookout for a new club after leaving Pride Park, while Warne is searching for a new goalkeeper.
Derby were linked with Rotherham United shot-stopper Viktor Johanssen shortly after the 2023/24 campaign drew to a close, although it was Championship rivals Stoke City who beat them to his signature.
Now, their chances of landing a new No.1 look more promising as they reportedly lead the race for an ex-Arsenal goalkeeper.
Derby County want to sign AZ Alkmaar goalkeeper Mathew Ryan
According to Dutch outlet AZ Alerts, Derby appear to have the ‘best credentials’ to land AZ Alkmaar goalkeeper Mathew Ryan.
It is claimed that Ryan – who sees his contract expire at AZ at the end of this month – could leave the Netherlands and return to England.
The 32-year-old made a name for himself at Premier League side Brighton, accumulating 123 appearances across four campaigns at the club.
Ryan joined the Seagulls in 2017 and then left in the summer of 2020 to join Arsenal on a season-long loan, with former Brighton boss Chris Hughton lauding him as “outstanding”.
The talented shot-stopper then experienced less-than-impressive spells at Real Sociedad and Copenhagen before being snapped up by Alkmaar on an 18-month contract in January 2023.
That is now coming to an end following 64 appearances and 25 clean sheets for the Dutch giants, who finished fourth in the Eredivisie last term.
Mathew Ryan would be an outstanding signing for Derby County
To sign Ryan on a free transfer from a European giant would be an outstanding signing for Derby.
Not only is he experienced on the continent, featuring 25 times in the Europa League, but he’s also well versed on the international stage with 81 caps for Australia.
Derby need a player with the know-how to take that place in between the sticks and they don’t come much better than Ryan on a free transfer.
With the Rams seeking ambitions of staying in the Championship, a player who has featured at World Cups for his country is the exact type of figure that can inspire a survival push.
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