Goodwin looks to unearth next gem with new transfer plans

JIM Goodwin hopes the appointment of Michael Cairney as Tannadice head of recruitment can help Dundee United unearth the next Bojan Miovski.

United boss Goodwin racked up several notable successes in the transfer market with Aberdeen, working closely with their former scouting chief Darren Mowbray, who has since joined Southampton.

Miovski, who has notched 42 goals in the last two seasons, Ylber Ramadani and Duk were standout captures for the Dons under the Irishman.

However, Goodwin goes back as far as Ilkay Durmus’ impact with St Mirren – an unknown arrival from Wacker Innsbruck in 2019 – when outlining his willingness to look “outside the box” for Premiership quality.

And striking that balance with players who know the British game will be his aim as the Tangerines seek to build a squad ready for the top flight over the coming months.

“We are open-minded and I think you need to be,” said Goodwin.

“I like to sign players who have knowledge of the Scottish game. You don’t want to be bringing in too many foreign players because it takes time to settle in.

“It’s a different culture, a new environment and a different style of play so you need to consider all those things.

“But we will have our eye on the foreign markets as well. I have had considerable success in the past at previous clubs looking at the foreign markets.

“At St Mirren, the likes of Ilkay Durmus came in and did well. While at Aberdeen, Bojan Miovski, Duk and Ylber Ramadani are the three who immediately spring to mind.”

Aberdeen banked more than £1 million when Ramadani joined Lecce last summer – 10 times more than they paid for the combative midfielder.

With all the tools to step up another level, Miovski is likely to bring in another handsome fee.

“It can be very lucrative if you get it (recruitment) right,” continued Goodwin.

“I would imagine Aberdeen will have some considerable offers for Miovski this summer and will make a good return.

“They made money off Ramadani last summer too – so that’s the kind of business model we want to implement here.

Michael Cairney. STRIKING ADDITION: Jim Goodwin signed Bojan Miovski in the summer of 2022 when he was manager at Aberdeen.