Derensili Sanches Fernandes: Huddersfield sign Dutch-Cape Verde winger from Excelsior in €1m deal

Huddersfield have signed Netherlands and Cape Verde winger Derensili Sanches Fernandes from Dutch side Excelsior in a €1 million permanent transfer. The 25-year-old right-sided attacker has agreed a four-year contract with the League One club, running until 30 June 2030.

Rotterdam-born Sanches Fernandes arrives with significant experience in Dutch football, having featured in both the Eredivisie and the Keuken Kampioen Divisie. Primarily a right winger who prefers to operate on his left foot, he will wear the number 30 shirt for his new club.

He joined Excelsior in 2023 from Utrecht’s under-21 side and went on to establish himself in the Dutch top flight. Across his time in the Netherlands, he has made 66 Eredivisie appearances, scoring eight goals and providing three assists, after earlier playing 117 times in the second tier, where he scored 23 goals and set up 13.

Standing at 1.76m, Sanches Fernandes has also shown an eye for goal at development level, including three goals in five Beloften Eerste Divisie matches and further strikes in youth competitions. His overall senior record in Dutch league and cup football reflects a player with consistent output over several seasons.

Sanches Fernandes’ market value was recently assessed at €900,000, with Huddersfield’s €1 million outlay reflecting their commitment to adding a versatile wide option ahead of the new campaign. The winger now begins his first spell in English football after completing his move from Excelsior to Huddersfield on 21 July 2026.