Confirmed: Derby County Secure Mathias Delorge On Four-Year Deal — Fabrizio Romano
DERBY, ENGLAND – Derby County have made their first major statement of the new era under Turki Alalshikh, officially confirming the signing of highly-rated Belgian midfielder Mathias Delorge from KAA Gent on a four-year contract. As first reported by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the deal has been finalised with the transfer fee remaining undisclosed at the request of both clubs, marking a significant early investment in the Rams’ bid for promotion.
Delorge arrives at Pride Park with a proven pedigree in Belgian top-flight football. The 25-year-old midfielder originally joined KAA Gent from Sint-Truiden back in July 2024 for a reported fee of €3 million, and quickly established himself as an indispensable figure in the Gent engine room. A technically accomplished, box-to-box presence known for his intelligent distribution, tireless work rate and ability to drive his team forward, he became a core starter and a consistent performer in both the Belgian Pro League and European competitions. His displays caught the eye across the continent, and Derby moved decisively to beat off competition from several Championship clubs to secure his signature.
“Mathias is exactly the kind of player we want to build this team around,” a Derby statement confirmed. “He has proven quality, he knows what it takes to win at a high level, and he brings exactly the right balance, energy and composure to our midfield. This is a major addition to our squad, and we are delighted he has committed his future to us for the next four years.”
The four-year contract will keep Delorge at Pride Park until 2030, giving the club long-term stability over a key new signing. While the fee has not been officially disclosed, it is believed to represent a substantial outlay — a clear signal of intent following the club’s takeover.
Speaking after putting pen to paper, Delorge said: “This is a huge moment for me. I had other options, but once Derby showed their interest and I heard the vision for this club, there was only one place I wanted to go. I am ready for the challenge of the Championship — it’s a tough, physical league, and I know that — but I believe we have the quality and the ambition to achieve great things here. I will give everything every time I step onto the pitch.”
Head coach Paul Warne added: “Mathias is a terrific signing. He’s got good legs, he can see a pass, he works hard out of possession — he ticks all the boxes. We’re really looking forward to working with him.”
Delorge will link up with his new team-mates immediately and could be in line for a debut in the upcoming fixture. For Derby, it is the perfect start to life under new ownership — a statement signing that shows they mean business.
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