Leeds United and Ipswich Town face new issue in race for Derby County star | OneFootball

A European giant have joined Leeds United and Ipswich Town in the race for Derby County goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterstrom...

Derby County are looking to push on under John Eustace but the Rams are somewhat at the mercy of top flight clubs for their best players after failing to make the play-offs in 2025/26, with Leeds United and Ipswich Town already circling.

Patrick Agyemang is now injured long-term but Derby County have done well to improve their squad following promotion from League One back in 2024, with numerous assets appreciating in value after strong campaigns last term.

The signings of Bobby Clark and Charlie Taylor have bolstered them so far, while a number of exits have reduced their wage bill after departures on free transfers. That said, until Derby are in the top flight, they will often struggle to retain their stars.

Ipswich Town recently joined Leeds United's pursuit of a Derby goalkeeper, with Swede Jacob Widell Zetterstrom on the radar of both clubs. Ipswich have since signed Kayne van Oevelen but the Derby stopper remains of interest throughout Europe.

Lyon join Leeds United in the Jacob Widell Zetterstrom race

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German side Eintracht Frankfurt have also registered interest in Zetterstrom, with the 28-year-old's participation at the World Cup ending early after Sweden’s 3-0 loss to France in the round of 32.

Zetterstrom has proved to be key part of Eustace’s side since his switch from Allsvenskan side Djurgarden. Zetterstrom joined Derby for £1.4 million, with the Rams striking gold in the process.

Derby are now at risk of losing the Swede due to his contract situation. The 28-year-old’s contract is set to expire in June 2027, meaning the club could lose him for nothing next summer if they don’t cash in now.

In 75 appearances for Derby, he has kept 16 clean sheets and conceded 96 goals. Now, however, the interest is ramping up in his services. French giants Lyon have joined the race to sign the goalkeeper.

Journalist Santi Aouna states that they have added Zetterstrom's name to their shortlist. He is seen as an option in case of a departure from one of Lyon's goalkeepers.

Ironically, last summer saw lyon sell their starting goalkeeper to Leeds. Lucas Perri joined in a big-money transfer. Dominik Grief and Rey Descamps are the primary first-team goalkeepers for the Ligue 1 outfit currently.

In terms of a potential replacement, the Rams have been linked via The Sun with a move for Gavin Bazunu, who has fallen down the pecking order at Southampton in recent seasons.

A Jacob Widell Zetterstrom bidding war may be Derby's best bet

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Zetterstrom is one player Derby will feel they cannot afford to lose this summer. Reliable goalkeepers in their prime are among the hardest assets to replace, and the Rams already know they have one they can trust between the posts.

At just turned 28, Zetterstrom is entering what are typically the peak years for a goalkeeper, with the stopper now combining sharp reflexes with growing experience and authority. For a Eustace side that will likely pride itself on organisation, defensive resilience, and picking up points through fine margins, having that dependable last line of defence is invaluable.

Finding a goalkeeper capable of producing a similar level of consistency is far easier said than done, even if Derby were to receive a healthy transfer fee. If the club feel they need to sanction one significant sale to balance the books or fund further recruitment, they should be looking elsewhere in the squad.

Losing Zetterstrom would create a problem that could prove both expensive and extremely difficult to solve. Interest is growing, though, with clubs from major leagues now in the mix. Derby may have to sell due to his contract situation, which would mean they have to hope for some kind of bidding war.