Deal Advancing: Derby County Closing In On Agreement To Sign 22-Year-Old Versatile Midfielder

Derby County look to be closing in on their second signing of the summer.

Following Ben Osborn’s signing, the Rams are looking for fresh midfielders.

Derby County lost Ebou Adams, Korey Smith, Max Bird, and Conor Hourihane this summer, leaving them with little alternatives in the center of the park.

Dutch outlet BN DeStem reports that Kenzo Goudmijn is ‘on the way’ to Pride Park, indicating a possible transaction.

The Rams are likely to sign him permanently, though the trade has yet to be completed and he is still attracting interest from other clubs.

De Telegraaf have claimed that Robin Van Persie already held talks with Goudmijn in Ibiza last month over a potential move to SC Heerenveen, who finished eleventh in the league table last season. However, it looks like they have missed out to Derby.

Goudmijn career so far

Goudmijn began his senior career at AZ Alkmaar, after spending nine years in their academy.

The midfielder made his second-team Jong AZ debut in 2018 and appeared 84 times for the U21 side, scoring 18 goals.

Goudmijn then went out on loan to Sparta Rotterdam, where he appeared 12 times before joining Excelsior in 2021.

The youth spent the majority of the previous three years on loan at Excelsior, making 83 appearances before returning to his parent club following their relegation from the Eredivisie.

Goudmijn has made 20 appearances for AZ’s first squad but is now expected to leave the club in pursuit of regular minutes.

The 22-year-old’s versatility has been a valuable asset in his career so far, though has played mostly in central midfield.

However, he has made 48 appearances from attacking midfield and another 19 in defensive midfield, as well as giving it a go in left midfield, left wing, right wing, right midfield, centre-forward and even centre-back.

Player profile

• Full name: Kenzo Goudmijn
• Age: 22
• Height: 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in)
• Nationality: Dutch
• Date of birth: 18th December 2001
• Place of birth: Hoorn, The Netherlands
• Position: Midfielder
• Club: AZ Alkmaar

Goudmijn to Derby County analysis

Derby County sorely needs to strengthen their midfield, and looking abroad could be a wise move.

Goudmijn’s versatility could benefit the Rams in the Championship, depending on their opponents.

Despite being required to play as a deep midfielder frequently, the Dutchman had the second-most dribbles in the Excelsior squad last season (44).

Goudmijn, who has spent much of his career playing for the second team or on loan, requires time to develop and evolve, therefore it is unknown whether he will be able to make an early impression at Pride Park.