Derby County is on the brink of filling a critical position this transfer window as Paul Warne nears the completion of a £1.4 million deal for a towering 6 foot 5 goalkeeper.
Derby fans can be pleased with the transfer activity overseen by Paul Warne and his team. The Rams have bolstered their squad with five new additions, primarily focusing on midfield and attack, and are set to welcome Crystal Palace starlet David Ozoh on loan as their next summer signing. However, while gaps in midfield and forward areas have been addressed, finding a replacement for their former number-one goalkeeper, Joe Wildsmith, has proven challenging.
Wildsmith’s departure from Derby in June left a vacancy that has seen the club actively searching for a new first-choice goalkeeper. Despite being linked with several candidates like Mathew Ryan, Viktor Johanssen, Daniel Iversen, and Marek Rodak, negotiations either fell through or the players signed elsewhere.
Fortunately, it seems the wait for a new goalkeeper is nearly over, with a deal now in place for a promising talent.
Derby County has agreed to a £1.4 million deal to sign Jacob Widell Zetterstrom from Djurgårdens IF.
Last week, Derby made an offer for Djurgårdens IF goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterstrom, which was initially rejected. Although the specifics of the bid were not disclosed, it did not meet the Swedish club’s valuation of the 26-year-old. Now, it appears Derby has intensified their efforts with a substantial bid to secure the services of the impressive gloveman, who is currently making his mark in the Allsvenskan league. Journalist Anel Avdic reports that a bid of SEK 20 million (£1.4 million) has been agreed upon, with Zetterstrom set to undergo a medical before being officially unveiled as Derby’s latest signing.
Investing such a significant sum in a first-choice goalkeeper signals the club’s ambition and confidence in the Swedish international, who has previously garnered interest from Liverpool and Wolves.
Derby County still requires another goalkeeper after Zetterstrom.
Zetterstrom appears to be a wise acquisition. Recognized as one of the best goalkeepers in the Allsvenskan, the ‘spectacular’ talent has recorded seven clean sheets in 15 league appearances. With his team currently second in the standings, seven points behind leaders Malmo, Zetterstrom is accustomed to high-pressure situations.
He will face similar expectations at Derby, with over 25,000 fans at Pride Park and the intense atmosphere of a relegation battle. At 26, Zetterstrom has his prime years ahead of him, which aligns with Warne’s forward-thinking recruitment strategy, as evidenced by the signing of 22-year-old Kenzo Goudmijn.
Once Zetterstrom’s deal is finalized, Derby can turn their attention to securing a second or third-choice goalkeeper. Josh Vickers is currently the club’s sole goalkeeper, and following Scott Loach’s departure in the summer, adding depth and competition for both Zetterstrom and Vickers is essential.
Heading into the Championship, a roster of three competitive goalkeepers, including one with substantial experience, is crucial for Derby’s ambitions.