Non-league transfer record smashed as 'new Jamie Vardy' completes switch to Sweden

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FT Desk

Abdul Abdulmalik is the most expensive player in the history of non-league football after he completed a blockbuster move to Swedish side Djurgarden.

The forward became increasingly unsettled at Boreham Wood, keen to make the next step in his career. For a while, it looked like the deal wasn't going to happen, as Djurgarden had three bids worth €875k, €1.17m and €1.75m rejected.

On Sunday, a deal was struck worth €1.75m as an initial fee plus add-ons.

Abdulmalik came through the Millwall academy, where he helped the club’s youth sides win back-to-back Professional Development League South titles in 2022–23 and 2023–24. He also represented England at Under-17 level. His first significant taste of senior football came on loan at Wealdstone during the 2023–24 season, before Millwall released him in 2024.

He joined Boreham Wood as a free agent in July 2024 and quickly became one of the National League's standout attacking players. He helped the club win promotion back to the National League in his first season, then had a breakthrough 2025–26 campaign, scoring 17 goals and providing 10 assists as the club reached the play-off final.

Boreham Wood didn't want to sell Abdulmalik, with manager Luke Garrard saying "he is our player" after he was left out of the squad for the 3-0 victory over Forest Green last Saturday.

Välkommen Abdul Abdulmalik! 💙

Djurgården stärker upp offensiven med den flitigt omskrivna engelske yttermittfältaren som nu ansluter från Boreham Wood FC.

– Den här värvningen speglar vårt starka åtagande att bygga en framgångsrik framtid, både här och nu och på lång sikt.… pic.twitter.com/W4zZHCk7L7

— Djurgården Fotboll (@DIF_Fotboll) August 30, 2026

After the deal was finally struck, he said: "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."

Djurgarden football director Maximilian Hahn said: "Abdul brings exceptional skill, a dynamic attacking threat, and reliable output that will add a powerful new dimension to our attack. Off the pitch, his calm and positive personality makes him a perfect fit for our squad dynamics."

The deal is the most expensive in non-league history following Jamie Vardy's £1m (€1.17m) switch from Fleetwood to Leicester in 2012.