UPDATE: Derby County goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterstrom has just addressed transfer rumors linking him to Premier League side Brentford, stating he was unaware of the interest until now. This revelation comes amid a strong performance from the Rams, who look to secure their place in the Championship playoffs.
Speaking ahead of his international duty with Sweden, Zetterstrom revealed he was surprised by the speculation, which has circulated for nearly three months. “It was a rumour that surprised me quite a bit. I hadn’t heard anything about it before, but if it’s true, it’s great to hear something like that,” he told Fotbollskanalen.
Derby County has been on an impressive run, recently achieving five consecutive wins under manager John Eustace. The Rams went from a rocky start with just one victory in their first ten league matches to becoming the Championship’s most in-form side, racking up 15 points since the last international break.
Zetterstrom, who stands at an imposing 6’6″, joined Derby from Djurgarden for approximately £1.4 million following their promotion from League One. His performance has been vital, with three clean sheets this season, helping solidify Derby’s defense.
Concerns may arise for Rams supporters as Brentford is reportedly seeking a backup goalkeeper after acquiring Republic of Ireland international Caoimhin Kelleher from Liverpool for up to £18 million. Initial reports suggested Brentford’s interest in Zetterstrom at around £3.5 million, but with his contract running until 2027, Derby holds significant negotiating power.
Should Brentford pursue Zetterstrom, the player would face tough competition for playing time due to Kelleher’s stature and recent performances. Despite the allure of the Premier League, Zetterstrom appears focused on his responsibilities at Pride Park.
As Derby County prepares for upcoming fixtures against Norwich City and Queens Park Rangers, fans will be watching closely to see if Zetterstrom remains a key part of their playoff push or if January transfer rumors escalate further. The club aims to keep its star goalkeeper amid rising interest, hoping to build on their current momentum.
This developing story highlights not only Zetterstrom’s commitment to Derby but also the ongoing challenges clubs face during the transfer window. As the January market approaches, all eyes will be on how Derby navigates potential offers for one of their standout performers.
