FC Groningen defender Mike te Wierik has signed a pre-contract agreement to join Derby County in the summer of 2020.





The 27-year-old will officially become a Derby player, subject to the standard League and Football Association registration process, when his contract with FC Groningen expires at the end of the current campaign.

te Wierik, who wears the captain’s armband for his current club, has agreed a three-year deal which will run until the summer of 2023.

The centre-back is not only renowned for his impressive defensive abilities after playing all of his career to date in the top-flight in Holland, but also his leadership skills.

Derby boss Phillip Cocu is aware of te Wierik’s qualities from his time in charge of PSV Eindhoven and believes he will be a positive addition to Derby’s squad.

Cocu said: “Mike is someone I know well and I have no doubt whatsoever he will fit into our style of play here at Derby County.

“He is a good defender and a leader, which is demonstrated by the fact he is FC Groningen’s captain, and he will be a very good signing for us.”

He added: “We wish Mike well in the remainder of the season at FC Groningen, we will of course be watching him closely, and look forward to him joining us in the lead-up to the 2020/21 season.”

te Wierik began his career with Heracles Almelo and he made over 160 appearances over the course of seven seasons.

He moved to FC Groningen in the summer of 2017 and is closing in on making 100 appearances for the Noordlease Stadion side.

The defender, who in total has 229 appearances in the Eredivisie to his name, also has international honours for his country at Under-20 and Under-21 level.



