Derby County are closing in on their next signing as one of their targets bids farewell to their current club.
The Rams will be looking to bounce back in the Championship following their 4-2 defeat away at Ewood Park to Blackburn Rovers on the opening day of the campaign.
Paul Warne’s side struggled, particularly on the defensive side as his side struggled against a Championship level attack, in particular Eiran Cashin, who surprisingly played an unsatisfactory performance.
Derby County received the boost of edging out League Two outfit Chesterfield in the Carabao Cup, however the real test will be up against Middlesbrough in their second Championship tie of the season.
Warne will be wary about his lacking defensive options, particularly at left-back and goalkeeper, however there is set to be a vacancy filled following the recent major update following the targeting of a signing.
Derby County close in on Jacob Widell Zetterstrom after saying goodbye to Djurgardens
The Rams have received another boost in their pursuit for a goalkeeper this summer.
Following the medical of Jacob Widell Zetterstrom, it was confirmed that he will stay at his club Djurgardens for their following European fixture, in which his side came away with a 3-1 home victory.
Now, since the conclusion of the match, Widell Zetterstrom appeared to say goodbye to his club, with one fan on X writing: ‘thanks for everything JWZ’.
Derby County have agreed a £1.4million deal to sign the 26-year-old goalkeeper, who has a Swedish cap to his name, and he will be Warne’s ninth signing of the summer.
Jacob Widell Zetterstrom could make or break Derby County’s season
Due to the fact that Josh Vickers has been the only senior goalkeeper at the club across the summer and since the start of the Championship season, there has been a lot of emphasis, particularly from Warne, in bringing a goalkeeper to the club this campaign.
It was necessary that the Rams acted quickly, which they have done, particularly with it seeming that they have unearthed a gem in Widell Zetterstrom.
Derby County will certainly be up against the cosh this season, and will have to rely on the Swedish shot-stopper on many occasions, which will mean that he will certainly play a pivotal part on if Warne’s team will survive the drop back down to League One in the 2024/25 season.
Whilst the incoming goalkeeper seemingly has all the traits to thrive at this level, optimism in his arrival should not be confused with over-expectation, and time should be given to Widell Zetterstrom in the case of him needing it to adapt.