Djurgarden’s sporting director, Bosse Andersson, has announced that Jacob Widell Zetterstrom is on his way to Derby County after saying an emotional goodbye to the Swedish club yesterday night.
Zetterstrom helped Djurgarden win 3-1 over Ilves in the Europa Conference League’s third qualifying round and was in tears at the end as he prepares to sign with Pride Park.
Derby have sealed a £1.4 million agreement for the 6ft 6in stopper, ending a long search for a goalkeeper and providing head coach Paul Warne with a significant boost ahead of tomorrow’s game against Middlesbrough (12.30pm).
Following Djurgarden’s triumph, Andersson stated, “We have had a long discussion with Derby. Then, timing is critical. We agreed to do this as far into our European vacation as possible. We now feel safer with Jacob Rinne in place.
“Now he’s travelling over, and if all goes well, he’ll join and perhaps make his debut against Middlesbrough on Saturday. He has done an excellent job during our negotiations. He is near to my heart, and it’s wonderful that he has this opportunity.”
Regarding his departure, Zetterstrom stated, “It was special. Lots of feelings. But that’s normal when you’ve had as much fun as I did. This has been a terrific year. Not only at the senior and junior levels. It’s a club that’s really important to my heart.
“There were plenty of tears. I’m embarking on new adventures that I’m really looking forward to. It’s a dream to play English football. That has been a lifelong dream of mine. “Taking that step feels incredible.”
