Derby County is poised to add Mathew Ryan to their squad this summer, as reported by Dutch outlet Voetbal Primeur. The Rams have been actively scouting in the Netherlands, securing AZ Alkmaar’s creative midfielder Kenzo Goudmijn in a £600,000 deal, according to Ian Baker.
This news follows Derby’s previous signings in this transfer window under manager Paul Warne. Ben Osborn and Kayden Jackson have joined permanently, while Jerry Yates arrives on loan from Swansea City.
Despite their efforts, Derby’s pursuit of Icelandic midfielder Stefán Teitur Thórdarson seems unsuccessful, with Thórdarson likely to join Preston North End for approximately €700,000 (just under £600,000).
With a wealth of attacking options secured, Derby County’s focus is shifting towards reinforcing their defensive ranks.
The club recently opted not to renew the contract of Joe Wildsmith, despite his accolade of winning the golden glove. According to reports from BBC Sheffield journalist Adam Oxley, Wildsmith is poised to join Barnsley.
Derby County, with only Josh Vickers currently available as a goalkeeper, are actively pursuing seasoned Premier League and international experience to bolster their squad.
Reports indicate that the newly promoted Championship side is close to securing a dual acquisition from AZ Alkmaar. Alongside Kenzo Goudmijn, Derby is reportedly on the verge of signing Mat Ryan, the former Arsenal and Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper. Ryan has reportedly turned down several contract offers from AZ and is set to join Pride Park, according to VP.
During the last season, Ryan featured in 29 Eredivisie matches for AZ Alkmaar, also appearing in the Europa Conference League. His statistics from the 2023/24 league season include 13 clean sheets, conceding an average of 1 goal per game, and making 2.8 saves per game with a save percentage of 74%. Additionally, he prevented an estimated 4.43 goals based on his performance, according to Sofascore.
Ryan boasts experience in both the UEFA Champions League and Europa League, in addition to representing Australia in the latest World Cup. Last season, he reportedly earned €13,846 (approximately £12,000) per week, as reported by Capology.
If Derby County secures the signing of Mathew Ryan, it would significantly strengthen their goalkeeping position in the Championship. Despite potential concerns about his distribution compared to more contemporary goalkeepers, Ryan’s overall skill set makes him a formidable option in the league.
Derby County’s promotion-winning style last season was far from possession-oriented and aesthetically pleasing; they favored a more direct approach uncommon among EFL promotion sides. Therefore, the emphasis on a goalkeeper’s technical ability with the ball at his feet is less critical for them.
In terms of experience at the highest levels of football, Mat Ryan stands out among his potential peers in the Championship. His career spans from the Premier League to La Liga and includes significant international experience with Australia, showcasing consistent performance and achievement.
This type of signing could prove crucial for Derby’s survival in the Championship, akin to the impact seen with teams like Plymouth Argyle or Sheffield Wednesday in the previous league campaign. Ryan’s pedigree and proven ability suggest he could play a pivotal role in securing positive results and stabilizing the team if they face challenges in the upcoming season.
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