Swedish football club Djurgarden have confirmed the signing of striker Abdul Abdulmalik from Boreham Wood for a guaranteed fee of £1.5 million, which sets a new record for the National League. This significant transfer surpasses the previous record, held since 2012, when Leicester City purchased Jamie Vardy from Fleetwood Town for £1 million, as reported by journalist Nizaar Kinsella.
The final cost of the deal could increase due to performance-related bonuses, and Boreham Wood have secured a percentage of any future sale of the player. Abdulmalik, who turned 23 recently, successfully underwent a medical examination in Stockholm after a principle agreement was reached early on Sunday.
The 2025/26 season has been a breakthrough year for the Millwall academy graduate, with the forward netting 17 goals and providing 10 assists. He played a pivotal role in Boreham Wood's journey, helping them secure the National League Cup while reaching the playoff final for a chance at promotion to League Two, where he scored and assisted at Wembley.
This summer, Boreham Wood turned down offers of £1 million and £1.5 million from various English clubs, including Peterborough United, before Abdulmalik opted out of playing following his last match in mid-August, pushing for a transfer.
Upon the completion of his much-anticipated transfer, Abdulmalik commented:
I'm ready for a new challenge. I'm eager to prove to myself and everyone around me that I can compete at the highest level.
Having represented England at the U-17 level, Abdulmalik relished the opportunity to restart his professional career in non-league football after leaving Millwall in 2024, following an unsuccessful trial with Portsmouth.
His new club, Djurgarden, currently sits fifth in the Allsvenskan league table, with two games in hand and a strong chance of securing European football as the season reaches its conclusion.
