Cocu excited as ‘excellent’ Poland winger signs up with Derby

Derby County have unveiled the signing of Poland international winger Kamil Jozwiak from Lech Poznan for an undisclosed fee.

The 22-year-old, who featured in both his country’s Nations League games earlier this month, has signed a four-year deal.

He is the Rams’ seventh signing of the transfer window and was a target for the club in January.

Speaking to Derby’s official website, manager Phillip Cocu said he was “very happy” that he managed to get the deal over the line.

“He is an exciting player with a huge amount of potential,” Cocu added. “Kamil is 22, so he has his best years ahead of him and he will be an important player for us.

“Kamil is someone we have closely watched over a long period of time and as a full international for Poland, we believe we are making an excellent addition to our squad.”

Jozwiak, who has been allocated the number 7 shirt, told the club’s website that he is “so excited and happy” to have arrived in Derbyshire.

He said: “I know a bit about Derby as I have watched matches because I knew about interest in me in December.

“I hope I will help the team in the season and that we will fight for promotion to the Premier League.”

The wide man impressed last season with eight goals in 35 league appearances, as Poznan missed out on the Polish title by three points.

He previously helped the club win the Polish Super Cup in the 2017/18 campaign after being linked with a move to Leeds United a few months prior.

LONG-TERM FRIEND CONVINCED HIM TO MOVE

Jozwiak also revealed to Derby’s official website that lifelong friend – and now teammate – Krystian Bielik persuaded him to join the club.

He said: “I saw a few matches and I know Krystian Bielik, he is my friend and I spoke with him and he said this would be a good step for me.

“I spoke with Krystian a lot of times and I have known him since I was 14 years old, we are so close. He told me the coach wanted me here, and that the team needed me too, which was good.”

Jozwiak could make his debut for Derby this weekend, subject to international clearance, when they take on Luton Town.

The Rams are searching for their first win of the new season after losing 2-0 to Reading last weekend.