Boreham Wood forward Abdul Abdulmalik has confirmed he wants to leave the club before the transfer window closes, according to a report in the Hartlepool Mail. The 22-year-old's statement comes after Swedish Allsvenskan club Djurgården reportedly made multiple unsuccessful bids for his services.
Abdulmalik released a personal statement earlier this week expressing his readiness for a new challenge. "Opportunities like this are rare, especially within the National League," the winger said. "I'm ready for the next challenge." He scored 22 goals and provided 23 assists in 91 appearances during his two-year stay at Meadow Park.
What does Abdulmalik's statement mean for Boreham Wood?
Manager Luke Garrard had insisted Abdulmalik was "their player" after he missed the 3-0 win over Forest Green Rovers last weekend. The player's public declaration changes the dynamic significantly. Boreham Wood now face a decision on whether to cash in on their prized asset or try to convince him to stay. The club's strong start to the season, where they currently sit first in the National League with 10 points from four games, adds another layer to the situation. You can view the full league table on our standings page.
Reports suggest Djurgården have already seen bids of £1 million and £1.5 million rejected. Several Championship and League One clubs are also said to be monitoring the former Millwall academy player. His departure would be a major blow to a team that has scored 11 goals while conceding just five this campaign, giving them a healthy +6 goal difference.
How are Boreham Wood performing without him?
The team's results show they can win without Abdulmalik, as demonstrated by the comprehensive victory over Forest Green. Their recent form reads WWWD, and they hold a one-point lead at the top over Southend United. This strong collective performance may give the club confidence in their ability to cope if a sale is finalized. The squad's depth and current morale can be tracked via our squad and stats pages.
Garrard has built a side that is effective across the pitch. Being top of the table provides the club with a strong negotiating position. Any fee received would need to reflect Abdulmalik's importance and potential, as well as the timing so close to the window's end.
What is the wider National League transfer context?
The Hartlepool Mail report also details activity involving another National League club, AFC Fylde. They have confirmed rejecting multiple offers, including some worth up to £500,000, for their striker Danny Ormerod. This indicates a competitive market for prolific non-league forwards. For Boreham Wood, the focus is squarely on resolving Abdulmalik's future swiftly.
The coming days will determine if Abdulmalik gets his desired move. Boreham Wood's immediate priority is maintaining their league position, which sees them one point clear at the summit. The club must balance the financial benefit of a substantial transfer fee against the sporting cost of losing a key player during a promising start.
