Midtjylland links record transfer window to language lessons and player development

Midtjylland's most profitable transfer window has put renewed attention on a development programme that extends beyond football training. In reporting published by The Guardian on Tuesday, technical director Kristian Kjær outlined how compulsory English lessons and support for players settling in Denmark underpin the club's recruitment and sales strategy. The squad brings together 17 nationalities from five continents.

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The Danish club had already generated more than €200m in player sales since 2018 before this summer, according to The Guardian. Franculino Djú's departure for Trabzonspor and Darío Osorio's loan move to Crystal Palace, which includes an obligation to buy, could together bring in €62m. Those deals were completed within 48 hours near the end of the window, following the €25m combined departures of Aral Simsir and Lee Han-beom to Club Brugge.

Kjær described English teaching as an essential part of that process, with players required to attend lessons at least three times each week. He explained that recruits need to understand the language within six months to communicate with their coach. Midtjylland also employ coaches from different countries to help arrivals adjust, reflecting the international makeup of the playing group.

Osorio's progress illustrates the approach. Midtjylland signed the Chilean forward from Universidad de Chile in August 2023, and he scored eight league goals in his first season. Kjær told The Guardian that helping him settle away from the pitch included changes to his nutrition. Palace are obliged to pay £22.3m next summer, with up to £3.4m more in bonuses, putting the deal in line to become a Danish top-flight record sale.

Midtjylland have also reinvested, signing 20-year-old Venezuela international David Martínez from LAFC for €7.3m, reported as a Danish record. His arrival follows the loss of Osorio and Djú, who led the team's scoring last season with 17 goals.

The recruitment effort also includes teenagers Olashile Musa Lawal and Ikenna Udechukwu through the club's FC Ebedei academy in Nigeria, established in 2004. Midtjylland finished behind AGF last season and are seeking their first title since 2024. Kjær attributed the club's transfer achievements to sustained work within an established strategy rather than luck.