Derby County have moved to rebuild their goalkeeping department by completing the signing of former England youth international Joe Wildsmith.
After seeing the Rams exit administration late on Friday, following the completion of Clowes Development (UK) Ltd’s takeover of the club, work is now underway to rebuild the squad ahead of the upcoming 2022/23 Sky Bet League One season.
Wildsmith, 26, has joined the Rams as a free agent and penned a two-year contract that will run until the summer of 2024.
The shot-stopper spent the early part of pre-season training with Derby’s squad and has now put pen-to-paper after agreeing terms and successfully completing a medical examination.
He will work under the watchful eye of Head Goalkeeping Coach Jason Pearcey as the Rams prepare for the 2022/23 campaign with a new-look goalkeeping group following the recent departures of Ryan Allsop and Kelle Roos.
Wildsmith joins Derby after making the decision to leave his boyhood club Sheffield Wednesday this summer at the end of his contract.
He penned professional terms with the Hillsborough outfit at the age of 17 back in 2013 and he went on to make 88 appearances in all competitions for the Owls, the vast majority of which came in the Championship.
The custodian also had spells out on loan at Alfreton Town and Barnsley in the early stages of his professional career to gain first-team experience.
On the international stage, Wildsmith was capped once by England’s Under-20s in 2015 while he was also subsequently called up to the Under-21 squad on a handful of occasions without making an appearance.
Please note that this player registration is subject to EFL approval.