Derby County sanction transfer as Kenzo Goudmijn exits

Derby County midfielder Kenzo Goudmijn has joined Grasshoppers Zurich on a season-long loan with the deal including an option to buy. The midfielder has fallen down the pecking order at Derby having returned to the club in the summer following a spell with Go Ahead Eagles last term.

He has not been used in any of the squads so far this season in the Championship and his exit was always likely with the midfielder struggling to break into John Eustace's starting XI. Derby wished the player well as they confirmed his departure saying: "Kenzo Goudmijn has joined Grasshopper Club Zurich on loan. The midfielder will spend the duration of the 2026/27 campaign with the Swiss Super League outfit. Good luck, Kenzo."

Goudmijn added: "I am very motivated to begin this next chapter at GC Zürich. I want to contribute my strengths and give my best for the team every day."

The Dutchman will immediately begin training with the first team and will wear the number 24 shirt as he looks to get his career back on track.

Goudmijn initially started with promise after signing from AZ Alkmaar in the summer of 2024 after the club were promoted to the Championship.

He scored in a thumping win over Bristol City under then manager Paul Warne and then hit the winner in a 1-0 victory over Cardiff. But he lost his way as the team lost form over the season before eventually moving to Go Ahead Eagles on a season-long loan last summer.

But that move did not yield the results Derby were hoping for. He did feature for Derby in pre-season but has not been involved in any of the matchday squads since the Championship campaign began.

He will now hope to fare better at Zurich with the midfielder still having one year left on his contract at Pride Park. He has made 48 appearances in all competitions for the Rams since joining in July 2024.

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