Derby get more 'bang for their buck' with Goudmijn

Kenzo Goudmijn spent much of the past two seasons with Excelsior

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."

Warne, who says 12 summer signings remains his aim, believes Derby's recruitment has "a long way to go".

Goudmijn's transfer came after the arrival of former Sheffield United and Nottingham Forest midfielder Ben Osborn and addition of strikers Kayden Jackson and Jerry Yates.

Derby owner David Clowes has already said that Warne will have "a good Championship budget" to keep the Rams competitive on their second-tier return.

"There is a dearth in many positions," Warne said.

"I think our frontline is okay, but we can always strengthen that again, our defensive line is okay, but needs strengthening, we need a goalkeeper or two and need probably three or four midfielders.

"So there is a lot of work to do."

He added that Derby's need for such extensive recruitment that has forced him to look further afield for recruits.

"I do think the English market is crazy at the moment, there are players going for some crazy fees and it is difficult, but it is difficult for every team.

"It's not that I'm complaining, it's just the fact that we want to make a lot of changes that makes it harder."