The Rams have further strengthened their defensive stocks with the signing of Spaniard Raul Albentosa — a 6 foot 5 inch Centre back who has been plying his trade in La Liga for Eibar.
The capture is all the more impressive considering it has been reported that Derby beat out Premier League clubs Leicester, Sunderland, West Brom, Burnley & QPR, who had all shown interested in signing Albentosa.
Joining DCFC on a two and a half year contract for an undisclosed fee — believed to be a buyout clause of approximately €600.000 — Albentosa was instrumental last season in helping SD Eibar gain promotion to the La Liga for the first time in their history.
He has been a regular in the Eibar first team and a fan favourite because of his ‘leave nothing in the locker’ style of play and has played a big part in Eibar rising to the top half of the table in their debut La Liga campaign, currently sitting 8th, he has been contending with some of the best attacks in the world lining up against the likes of Ronaldo when battling Real Madrid & Barcelona.
Raul was emotionally applauded off the field last week when Eibar fans realised it was likely to be his last match for the club with the transfer to Derby a likely prospect.
Speaking to the media after his unveiling at the iPro stadium - Albentosa was pleased to be fulfilling his dream to play in England:
"My agents told me about interest from the club and I knew straight away that it was a good opportunity for me”.
"I am going to work hard to show the head coach what type of player that I am and I am going to fight to try and get a position in his squad”.
"I am very proud to be here. It's always been a dream of mine to come and play in England and I am going to do everything to say thank you to the people that brought me here and gave this chance."
The Rams needed to strengthen their defensive options and this week the signings of Warnock and Albentosa have done just that.
Forsyth, Buxton and even Keogh will all need to be at their best from here on in as genuine quality will be breathing down their neck — which really is the best situation for the club - as hopefully it will bring out the best in everyone involved.
From all at RamZone and I am sure all Rams fans, welcome to DCFC Raul, may your Rams career be a long and successful one!