Leeds United decision hands Derby County potential transfer boost | OneFootball

Leeds United have been linked with Jacob Widell Zetterstrom

Derby County are aiming to fight for promotion to the Premier League next season after narrowly missing out on the play-offs.

John Eustace’s side finished eighth in the table, four points adrift of the top six, but another top eight finish in 2026/27 will be enough to contend for promotion.

The Championship will expand the play-offs to include two more teams from next season, giving clubs an even better chance at a place in the top flight than before.

The Rams are in their third year back in the second division after they earned promotion from League One in 2024.

Bobby Clark and Charlie Taylor have already been signed, with the former arriving on a permanent deal after an initial loan, while the latter has joined as a free agent.

It’s likely Derby will have plenty more transfer activity between now and the 1 September deadline, but Eustace will also be keen to keep his squad together as well.

Leeds United offer Derby County transfer boost

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It has been reported by Teamtalk that Leeds United are set to step up their pursuit of a new goalkeeper in the coming days amid speculation that the Premier League side are interested in Jacob Widell Zetterstrom.

However, it’s been claimed that James Trafford is their number one target at this stage, and that they will be ramping up their interest in the Manchester City player.

The Whites are searching for a new first-choice for Daniel Farke’s side, particularly with Karl Darlow leaving the club as a free agent to join Manchester United.

The 35-year-old made 22 appearances in the Premier League for the Yorkshire outfit last season as they finished 14th in the table.

And Trafford has emerged as their preferred candidate to take over between the sticks, which will come as a boost for Derby.

Zetterstrom missed the majority of the second half of last season due to illness, but he is the starting goalkeeper under Eustace.

The Swede’s positive performances at the World Cup fuelled speculation of an exit, with Leeds mentioned as a possible destination, as well as German side Eintracht Frankfurt.

Zetterstrom has a contract with Derby until June 2027, which is driving the uncertainty over his future.

If the Rams are unable to agree a new deal with the 28-year-old, then they risk losing him for nothing at the end of next season.

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Jacob Zetterstrom staying would be great business for Derby

It remains to be seen whether Leeds will be able to convince Man City to sell Trafford, particularly with an asking price around £35 to 40 million.

However, if it helps Derby keep Zetterstrom, then that’s all that will matter to Eustace, who will surely be keen to see the Swede stay.

The goalkeeper had a difficult 2025/26 due to illness, but when he was available he was a top performer in the side, and perhaps the club could’ve finished in the top six if he had stayed fully fit all year.

Of course, it is a big risk to potentially lose him for nothing in 2027, but it might be a gamble worth taking if it helps the Rams fight for Premier League promotion.