Derby County have looked abroad to sign a midfield talent, with former Dutch youth international on their radar.
Paul Warne’s Derby County have finally sprang into action in the summer transfer window following their promotion from League One in the 2023/24 season, where they finished in 2nd.
Ben Osborn, who is set to arrive at Pride park with heaps of Premier League and Championship experience, has had a medical at the club and is set to become Warne’s first signing ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.
Striker Jerry Yates has also agreed to join the Rams on loan from fellow Championship side Swansea City.
Warne’s potential signings seem to have had a trend of going for Championship experience for the following season, however his current interest in a young Dutch player has thrown up a few surprises.
Derby County interested in AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kenzo Goudmijn
Warne has opted to pursue a signing that doesn’t tick the boxes of English experience, but rather Eredivisie raw talent in Kenzo Goudmijn.
Derby County have expressed their interest in the 22-year-old following previous interest from Heerenveen and Heracles Almelo, per AZ Alerts.
It is also reported that AZ Alkmaar are willing to either let Goudmijn go permanently or on loan.
Despite suffering relegation with loanee club Excelsior Rotterdam, Goudmijn tallied 26 appearances across both AZ Alkmaar and Excelsior Rotterdam, where he also contributed two assists.
The midfielder is yet to play outside of the Netherlands, following an earlier loan spell in 2021/22 with Sparta Rotterdam.
How would Derby County target Kenzo Goudmijn fit in Paul Warne’s plans
Goudmijn would be massively helpful in providing squad depth in many positions for a side that is very low on numbers, having played both in midfield and on the left wing at times in the 2023/24 season.
The Dutchman struggled to get into the AZ Alkmaar team in the earlier stages of the 2023/24 campaign, but was utilised continuously for Excelsior Rotterdam after he was brought in during winter.
Although not a direct replacement for the pair, Goudmijn’s potential arrival would soften the blow of the release of key midfielders such as Conor Hourihane and Korey Smith.
Having played at a high level for the season, there’s a chance that Goudmijn may be able to adapt to the standard of the Championship, having played against the likes of European giants Ajax and PSV.
However, Warne’s usual strategy of eyeing up Championship pedigree seemingly is working well in the build-up to the 2024/25 season and should be prioritised before going for more risky signings from unknown markets.
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