Derby County boss Paul Warne has described Dutch midfielder Kenzo Goudmijn as a bargain buy as he tries to rebuild the Rams in a “crazy” English market.
The 22-year-old became Derby’s fourth summer recruit and cost a reported 820,000 euros (£690,000) from Eredivisie side AZ Alkmaar.
Warne said a focus will remain on recruiting from abroad in search of better value as he tries to make at least another eight additions to his squad ahead of their return to the Championship.
“The English market is through the roof, the players are too expensive for the type of player that we wanted so we knew we had to look abroad,” said Warne about the search that led to Goudmijn.
Ten weeks ago we were told we had no chance, it would cost X amount. But we just kept chipping away and eventually it becomes more affordable and eventually becomes very affordable and in comparison to the English market, it feels like he is half-priced, so it’s a no-brainer.
“Everyone is reaching out to different markets because you get more bang for your buck.”
