The 'new Jamie Vardy' begs to leave fifth-tier side to achieve football dreams

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FT Desk

Boreham Wood forward Abdul Abdulmalik has begged the fifth-tier side to allow him to leave after three bids from Swedish side Djurgarden were rejected.

Over the past couple of weeks, Djurgarden have bid €875k, €1.17m and €1.75m for Abdulmalik but have been knocked back each time.

The English forward 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 don'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 on Saturday.

If the club eventually caves and sells Abdulmalik, it would likely break the record for the biggest fee ever received for a fifth-tier player after Jamie Vardy's £1m (€1.17m) switch from Fleetwood to Leicester in 2012.

Abdulmalik's plea

In a lengthy social media post, Abdulmalik made a desperate plea to Boreham Wood to allow him to leave so he can follow his dreams.

He wrote:

"I'm just a kid from South London. Just like most boys where I'm from, it starts in a council estate. We dreamt of playing the beautiful game at the highest level. I'd dream about the big games, The stadium lights, the opportunity to come up against and play alongside the best.

"Kids where I'm from know we have to work extra hard and nothing is handed to us. I have always known this, that's why I continue to strive for the best

"My career in football wouldn't even be possible without the support of my family and loved ones. We don't come from much so it's never been the easiest career to support. For those people, I will always be grateful and fortunate.

That's why from the beginning i have vowed to do my best to support them and take my career to the furthest heights possible.

"Through sheer hard work and perseverance, the opportunity to progress has come around. This is my chance to push myself as a footballer, elevate my game and most importantly fulfil my promise to the ones around me

Opportunities like this are rare, especially within the national league where some of the hardest working talent is overlooked.

"The game of football is forever changing and decisions are fast paced. There's no guarantee that the same Chances come knocking twice.

"I owe it to myself and the kids growing up just like me to fight for this one I've been offered.

"Moving on from a club is one of the toughest decisions in a footballers career. I'm more than grateful for everyone that has been a part of my journey so far.

"Everyone at Borehamwood fc and the incredible fans have played a massive part. You will always have my respect. With this 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."