Boreham Wood forward Abdul Abdulmalik has completed a record-breaking transfer to Swedish Allsvenskan side Djurgarden. The BBC reported the deal, agreed on Sunday morning, involves an initial fee of £1.5 million, a new high for the National League.
This sum surpasses the previous fifth-tier record set in 2012, when Leicester City paid Fleetwood Town £1 million for Jamie Vardy. The agreement for Abdulmalik could rise further through performance-related add-ons, and Boreham Wood have also secured a valuable sell-on clause. The 21-year-old completed his medical in Sweden this week to finalise the move.
How did Abdulmalik perform for Boreham Wood?
Abdul Abdulmalik was a central figure in Boreham Wood's impressive 2025-26 campaign. He scored 17 goals and provided 10 assists, driving the team to a fourth-place finish in the National League with 90 points from 46 games. His contributions were vital in the club's run to the play-off final at Wembley, where he scored one goal and set up another. Abdulmalik even marked his final appearance for the club in mid-August with a goal, before making himself unavailable for selection to push through the transfer. His departure leaves a significant gap in an attack that scored 95 league goals last season.
Why did Boreham Wood agree to sell now?
Boreham Wood had previously turned down bids of £1 million and £1.5 million for Abdulmalik earlier in the summer. The improved offer from Djurgarden, coupled with the player's desire to move, made this deal the right moment for the club to cash in. The record fee provides a major financial boost as the club prepares for the new season, where they will aim to close the 18-point gap to last season's champions, York. The funds could be key in strengthening the squad for another promotion push.
What does this mean for Djurgarden?
Djurgarden's football director, Maximilian Hahn, was clear about the club's excitement. "Abdul brings exceptional skill, a dynamic attacking threat, and reliable output that will add a powerful new dimension to our attack," Hahn said. "Off the pitch, his calm and positive personality makes him a perfect fit for our squad dynamics." The Swedish club, currently sixth in the Allsvenskan with two games in hand on several rivals, are in contention for European qualification. Abdulmalik's arrival is a statement of intent for their run-in.
What is next for Abdul Abdulmalik?
The move represents a rapid rise for the former England Under-17 international, who was released by Millwall in 2024 and had an unsuccessful trial at Portsmouth. Speaking about the transfer, Abdulmalik said, "I'm ready for the next challenge." He joins a Djurgarden side whose domestic season runs from April to November, meaning he could be in action almost immediately. For Boreham Wood, attention now turns to rebuilding, with fans able to track the team's progress via the latest standings and fixtures. The club's final league record last term was 27 wins, 9 draws, and 10 losses.
