Derby County are set to announce the signing of AZ Alkmaar star Kenzo Goudmijn and the player will undergo a medical with the club today, according to the latest reports.
With the transfer window open for just over three weeks, the Rams have already been quite busy as Paul Warne looks to bolster his squad ahead of a gruelling battle for survival in the Championship following the team’s promotion from League One last season.
Warne has already added Ben Osborn to his ranks after the versatile midfielder’s contract expired at Sheffield United. Meanwhile, Kayden Jackson was signed on a free transfer, Jerry Yates was brought in from Swansea City on loan, and Corey Blackett-Taylor’s deal was made permanent after joining from Charlton Athletic back in January.
One area that Warne is keen to strengthen is in the middle of the park. The gaffer is looking to add to the arrival of Osborn and the club were recently linked with Ipswich Town star Idris El Mizouni, who is up for sale as the Tractor Boys hold out for just £350,000 for his services. Nevertheless, it looks as though Oxford United will come out on top in the race for the Tunisia international, which has left Derby County looking elsewhere in the transfer market.
Another name that has been linked with a move to Pride Park over the past 24 hours is AZ Alkmaar’s 22-year-old midfielder Goudmijn. This was initially reported by Dutch outlet AZ Alerts who claimed that a move to the newly-promoted Championship side will come to fruition pending the player’s medical. Additionally, the same publication reported at midnight last night that Goudmijn will undergo his medical examination today and that Excelsior Rotterdam will receive part of the fee for the player after his two previous loan stints at the club.
This report has been backed up by journalist Ian Baker, who revealed that Derby will pay a £600,000 fee for the AZ academy product, although he currently boasts a market value of £1.5 million, as per Transfermarkt.
Writer’s View
Derby County could be getting an unknown steal here, especially if the club are paying £900,000 less than his market value. Goudmijn has been superb on loan at Excelsior, scoring seven goals and recording seven assists in 83 matches and has proven that he can play as a central midfielder, but also as a holding midfielder and even in a more advanced role.
Goudmijn could finally be the player that Warne has been seeking in the middle of the park. AZ Alkmaar have one of the best youth academies in world football and he is just another product of their fine work. This could prove to be a bargain if Goudmijn can hit the ground running in England’s second tier.
Deputy Head of Writing
