Derby County midfielder set for Netherlands return as John Eustace makes necessary cuts

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Derby County’s transfer dealings are all but done for 2025, but John Eustace has still had some tough decisions to make in the last few hours.

While the transfer window is shut in England, across Europe deals are still unfolding, including in Scotland where Hibernian are pursuing Lyndon Dykes from Birmingham City.

The window does not shut until 11pm in several other countries, and this does leave clubs vulnerable to losing key players late on.

However, for Derby, it is important that they do trim the squad, and letting go of players who have not quite made an impact in the last few months is vital – including one of last year’s summer signings.

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Kenzo Goudmijn poised to sign for Go Ahead Eagles on loan from Derby County

Kenzo Goudmijn joined the Rams in July 2024, and he had a strong start to life in England. However, his game time quickly became limited and the start of this season has been frustrating for him.

Now, he has been offered a reprieve with Dutch outlet VI reporting that Go Ahead Eagles are leading the race to sign the 23-year-old on loan for the rest of the 2025/26 campaign.

They are not the only side in the midfielder’s homeland who are seeking a deal, with Heracles Almelo also keen, but it appears that the side who are currently 13th in the Eredivisie are closing in on a move.

Goudmijn played for AZ Alkmaar and Excelsior before joining Derby, making 76 appearances in the Netherlands’ top division and 102 in their second tier.

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It just has not worked out for Kenzo Goudmijn in the Championship

The Rams have desperately been trying to find ways to fit the Dutchman into their system, and after a fine start in an attacking midfield role under Paul Warne, it has been a little bit underwhelming recently for Goudmijn.

He has struggled at times with physicality of the Championship, and while he does have an eye for a pass, the way in which the Rams have played in the last 12 months has not allowed him to show his strengths.

At 23, there is still plenty of time for him to develop and he does have three years left on his contract at Pride Park.

However, with Eustace looking to trim his squad down to the maximum of 25, there had to be sacrifices, and ultimately Derby do not need Goudmijn at this moment.