Derby County Faces Setback with Overseas Transfer Target as Leicester City Deal Progresses

John Percy of The Telegraph reports that Mathew Ryan’s proposed move to Derby County is increasingly unlikely. Instead, Derby is looking to secure a deal with last season’s Championship winners, Leicester City, for their Danish backup goalkeeper, Daniel Iversen.

Derby County released their Golden Glove-winning goalkeeper, Joe Wildsmith, who recorded 20 clean sheets in 40 League One appearances during the 2023/24 season. Wildsmith has since joined Championship rivals West Bromwich Albion, leaving Derby in search of a new first-choice goalkeeper.

Currently, Josh Vickers is Derby’s only recognized first-team goalkeeper. Vickers, who joined from Rotherham United, served as the backup to Wildsmith last season. Derby manager Paul Warne initially targeted out-of-contract AZ Alkmaar goalkeeper Mathew Ryan. The Rams have already signed one player from the Dutch club, Kenzo Goudmijn, for a reported fee of £600,000, according to Ian Baker.

Dutch outlet Voetbal Primeur reported that Ryan rejected multiple contract offers from Alkmaar and was expected to join Goudmijn at Pride Park for Derby’s first Championship campaign since being relegated three seasons ago. Ryan, who was AZ Alkmaar’s first-choice goalkeeper last season and recorded the second-most clean sheets in the Eredivisie, now seems unlikely to join Derby. However, Warne has other targets in mind aside from the 93-cap Australian international.

Alan Nixon first reported on Patreon that Daniel Iversen is a loan transfer target for Derby this summer. Iversen is familiar to Warne, having been managed by him during a loan stint at Rotherham United. Iversen spent the second half of last season on loan at Stoke City, where he played 18 games and kept seven clean sheets. The 26-year-old Danish goalkeeper also spent a season on loan at Preston North End, where he started every game and achieved 13 clean sheets.

Although missing out on Mathew Ryan might seem like a setback for Derby County, signing Daniel Iversen could mitigate the blow. A reliable shot-stopper is crucial for teams likely to find themselves in the lower half of the table, like Derby. Warne values goalkeepers who can make unexpected saves over those known for distribution. Ryan would have been ideal for this role, given his Premier League experience with Arsenal and Brighton & Hove Albion and participation in all three UEFA club competitions. His expertise would have been invaluable to Derby.

Iversen, while less experienced than Ryan, has significant game time as a Championship goalkeeper. However, Ryan’s extensive knowledge and experience would have been a major asset to Paul Warne.

In addition to their search for a goalkeeper, Derby is close to strengthening their midfield. They are nearing an agreement with Cardiff City for former loanee midfielder Ebou Adams, according to Percy. This development is positive news for Rams fans, even if missing out on a former Champions League and Premier League goalkeeper is disappointing. Nonetheless, ongoing talks for a solid alternative in Iversen offer some consolation.