Derby County have confirmed they will consider offers for Dutch midfielder Kenzo Goudmijn this summer, with the club aiming to cash in before the new campaign begins. The 24‑year‑old, who spent the 2023‑24 season on loan at Go Ahead Eagles, remains under contract until June 2028 but is not in John Eustace’s plans.
Why is Goudmijn on the market?
Eustace gave the midfielder a temporary exit twelve months ago to gain regular minutes, and Goudmijn returned with 23 appearances and one goal for the Eagles. Back at Pride Park, the Rams already have Lewis Travis, Oscar Fraulo and Liam Thompson competing for midfield spots, leaving little room for the Dutchman. With David Ozoh also likely to depart, the hierarchy pushes Goudmijn further down the pecking order, making a permanent exit a sensible move for all parties.
What does the fee look like?
Derby County paid roughly £700,000 for Goudmijn in 2024. The club hopes to secure a profit, leveraging the player’s experience in the Eredivisie and the Dutch second tier. If a bid meets the Rams’ valuation, the deal could free up wages and a modest transfer sum to reinvest ahead of the play‑off push. The club currently sits 8th in the Championship with 69 points from 46 games, a record of 20 wins, 9 draws and 17 losses, and a recent form of LWLWL.
How does this fit into Derby’s season outlook?
Derby County are targeting a play‑off place next term, sitting 26 points behind leaders Coventry in the title race. Their attack has produced 67 goals while conceding 59, a +8 goal difference that reflects a balanced but improvable side. Offloading Goudmijn would clear a squad spot and add funds for potential reinforcements, aligning with Eustace’s strategy to refresh the roster before the season starts next month.
What’s next for the midfielder?
Goudmijn is due back for pre‑season training with Go Ahead Eagles, but Derby’s hierarchy suggests a swift departure. Should a club meet the Rams’ price, the Dutch international could sign permanently and continue his development in England or return to the Netherlands. Either way, the move would allow him to play regularly, something he missed at Pride Park.
The Rams will monitor the market closely over the coming weeks, ready to negotiate with any suitor that presents a fair offer for the 24‑year‑old. With the transfer window looming, Derby County aim to finalise their squad and focus on the upcoming Championship campaign.
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