Derby County’s bid for goalkeeper Jacob Widell-Zetterstrom has been rejected by Allsvenskan side Djurgarden, according to football reporter Daniel Kristoffersson.
The Rams are looking to strengthen their goalkeeping options this summer, with Swedish keeper Widell-Zetterstrom on their radar. Currently, Derby has only one senior goalkeeper, Josh Vickers, after the departure of Joe Wildsmith to West Brom and Scott Loach’s retirement.
Vickers, who reunited with manager Paul Warne last summer from Rotherham United, faces competition only from academy players. However, Kristoffersson reports that Warne is keen to bring Djurgarden’s first-choice goalkeeper to Pride Park.
Widell-Zetterstrom, 26, who made his international debut for Sweden last year, has attracted interest from several clubs, with Derby submitting an initial offer that Djurgarden has rejected. The clubs remain far apart on their valuation, but Djurgarden’s manager Bosse Andersson has indicated a deal could be possible with the right offer.
Widell-Zetterstrom, a product of IFK Lidingo’s youth system, joined Djurgarden in 2018 and has since been a key player, making 110 appearances. He has also played in the Europa Conference League, keeping four clean sheets in 13 matches. Standing at 6ft 6in, he is known for his commanding presence in goal.
After recovering from a head injury in 2020, Widell-Zetterstrom has worn a protective head guard. He made his international debut for Sweden in January last year, playing 45 minutes in a friendly win over Iceland. With his contract set to expire in December 2025, Derby hopes to negotiate a favorable deal.
Derby County has been active in the transfer market, signing Ben Osborn, Kayden Jackson, Jerry Yates, Kenzo Goudmijn, and Ebou Adams, with Yates arriving on loan. Key players like Louie Sibley, Joe Wildsmith, Korey Smith, and Conor Hourihane have left the club as free agents, joining other teams. Dwight Gayle and Martyn Waghorn were also released, while Loach retired.
With limited options in goal, the addition of Widell-Zetterstrom would be a significant boost for Derby County this summer.