Derry Murkin has joined Derby County from Utrecht on a deal lasting until 2029. But what do we know about the Rams’ latest arrival.
A deadline day signing from the Netherlands, the left-back brings broad European experience having played in the Eredivisie, Bundesliga 2 and UEFA Europa League in recent years.
A solid defender with a relentless work-rate, Murkin also brings a goalscoring knack to Pride Park Stadium, having netted 36 times across his career.
Let’s take a closer look at the 26-year-old’s journey to the East Midlands…
In Profile
Murkin was born in Colchester but moved to Holland at the age of four.
His mother’s job re-location saw the youngster grow up away from the country of his birth, but football was in his blood and he soon graduated from the local leagues to join Volendam.
The youngster started life in the reserve team, playing as a winger in his early days, firing an impressive 23 goals in 42 appearances before progressing to the first-team.
He was eventually converted to a full-back after former Dutch international Wim Jonk, who was in charge of Volendam’s first-team, spotted his potential.
Murkin’s breakthrough season arrived in 2020-21 when he won the club’s ‘Young Talent’ prize – after playing 32 times.
After four years with Volendam, the defender signed a three-year deal with Schalke 04 in August 2023, with the German giants acknowledging his ‘dynamism and pace.’
Despite the club suffering from problems on and off the field, Murkin featured regularly, making 57 appearances in a two-year stint with the Royal Blues.
However, he was transferred back to Holland for a seven-figure fee when Utrecht made an offer for his services last summer.
He made 22 appearances for Utrecht so far this season, including seven times in the League Phase of the UEFA Europa League.
Murkin registered an assist on his Eredivisie debut after coming on from the bench against Heracles Almelo in August, while he contributed goals against PEC Zwolle and Feyenoord in the opening half of the campaign.
