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Djurgarden to sign Abdulmalik from Boreham Wood in English non-league record fee

Abdulmalik celebrates his Wembley goal
Abdulmalik celebrates his Wembley goalTiego Grenho / Alamy / Profimedia

Swedish side Djurgarden have delved into the fifth tier of English football to bolster their chances of qualifying for Europe this season, agreeing a deal to sign Abdul Abdulmalik from National League side Boreham Wood.

Djurgarden have spent £1.5 million on Abdulmalik, breaking the previous transfer record for a player in England's fifth tier, which was the £1 million Leicester City paid to sign Jamie Vardy from Fleetwood Town in 2012.

A spell in Stockholm even half as good as Vardy's at Leicester will represent good business for Djurgarden, who currently sit fifth in Allsvenskan but games in hand mean they are in a strong position to make the top three and qualify for Europe when the season finishes in November.

Abdulmalik scored 17 goals and provided 10 assists in a breakout campaign for Boreham Wood last season - including in the play-off final defeat at Wembley Stadium - before the club from the outskirts of North London began receiving offers from a number of English Football League clubs.

However, the 23-year-old opted for a move to Sweden: "I'm ready for the next challenge. I'm ready to prove to myself and those around me that I'm capable of reaching the top," he told reporters.

With the move still to be finalised, Abdulmalik is unlikely to be available for Djurgarden's home match against reigning champions Mjallby on Monday 31st August.

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