Huddersfield Town transfer latest: Dutch winger signs for 'significant' fee as Terriers beat off continental interest

The arrival of Fernandes for a ‘significant’ undisclosed fee follows on from the capture of his former Excelsior team-mate Ilias Bronkhorst, with the pair likely to form a new-look partnership down Town’s right in 2026-27.

Fernandes, who has penned a four-year deal, arrives off the back of an excellent campaign in the Dutch top-tier. A virtual ever-present in all competitions, the winger scored six goals and registered six assists as Excelsior consolidated in the Eredivisie.

He has become the club’s fifth signing of the close season following on from the additions of Ashley Fletcher, Ethan Brierley, Matty Young and Bronkhurst.

On joining the club, the 25-year-old said: "Last season was amazing for me, and I was so happy to have played my part in helping Excelsior stay in the Eredivisie and achieve their goals.

"That success has brought interest this summer, but I was determined to only entertain offers that felt right both on and off the pitch, and Huddersfield Town left me with no doubts after speaking and learning more.

"Talks with the sporting director and head coach have been super exciting, and Ilias’ experience here so far really convinced me to make this next step in my career.”

Fernandes, who has Cape Verdean ancestry, has played for the majority of his career with hometown side Excelsior, with the Rotterdam-born wingman also spending a spell with Utrecht as a teenager.

Described as a player with pace and dribbling skills who is most comfortable playing as an inverted winger coming in from the right, the left-footed player became a fan favourite during his time at Excelsior.

He excelled in 2024-25 when he helped Excelsior return to the Eredivisie, netting 11 times and providing seven assists.

Town sporting director Chris Markham commented: "A really ambitious signing, Derens has fielded interest from across Europe this summer after his performances for Excelsior last season, but his decision to join us here in HD1 really speaks to how much he connected to Huddersfield Town and the team we want to become going forward.

"An attack-minded winger who loves to go forward but isn’t shy of mucking in when needed either, his attitude, pace, physicality and robustness are all characteristics that immediately appealed to us.

"Having not long celebrated his 25th birthday, Derens is entering the most exciting years of his career and has shown the ability and want to improve his game in consecutive seasons.

"Exactly the type of player on paper that Town fans of all generations have always enjoyed watching, we’re hopeful that he’ll continue to shine in West Yorkshire and deliver on the promise we believe he has.”

Head Coach Martin Drury added: "We’re delighted to welcome Derens to Huddersfield Town.

"When Chris and the recruitment team presented him to me, it was clear he had the capabilities we were looking for in that position.

"He’s a player that I am excited to work with and one that our supporters will connect with. He can play wide or inside, and has a real appetite to take the ball and attack the opposition. He has an air of confidence and love for the game which really impressed us when meeting him.”