Leeds United face new hurdle in race to sign Derby County’s Jacob Widell Zetterstrom | OneFootball

Jacob Zetterstrom's future at Derby County is up in the air after his World Cup exit

Derby County will be aiming to contend for promotion next season after narrowly missing out on a play-off place in the previous campaign.

John Eustace’s side finished eighth in the Championship table, just four points adrift of a top six finish.

With the play-offs now expanding to include two more teams from 2027, the Rams will be hoping to be in the mix over the next 12 months.

But first they have to navigate the transfer window in what could be quite a busy period for the club.

Derby have already completed the permanent signing of Bobby Clark, who spent the last year on loan from RB Salzburg, and more incomings are likely.

The transfer window remains open until 1 September, with plenty of activity expected from Pride Park between now and then.

Leeds United face hurdle in Derby County transfer chase

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It has been reported by Football Insider that Eintracht Frankfurt are set to challenge Leeds United in the race to sign Jacob Zetterstrom from Derby.

The Whites have been linked with the goalkeeper, who has concluded his participation at the World Cup after Sweden’s 3-0 loss to France in the round of 32.

The shot stopper was absent for much of the second half of the campaign, but returned to action on 18 April in a 1-0 win over Oxford United.

Zetterstrom has proved a key part of Eustace’s side, but the Rams are now at risk of losing the Swede due to his contract situation.

The 27-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, and he doesn’t sign an extension.

It’s believed that the goalkeeper is keen on the idea of a move to Elland Road, with Daniel Farke seeking a new first-choice number one, but Frankfurt pose a risk in the race for his signature.

It’s understood that Zetterstrom is keen to compete at the highest possible level, with Leeds currently in the Premier League.

Offers are expected in the coming weeks, with Derby panicking over the player’s future.

The Rams have been linked with a move for Gavin Bazunu, who has fallen down the pecking order at Southampton.

The Ireland international has struggled for consistent form in the last few years, with injuries also hampering his development.

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Jacob Zetterstrom exit will be a real blow for Derby County

Zetterstrom missed a good chunk of the previous campaign, but he has otherwise been quite impressive for Derby in goals.

But the jump up to either the Bundesliga or the Premier League will be quite tempting, and their best hope now is that multiple clubs looking to sign him will at least drive up the price.

If the Rams can lead a bidding war between the two teams, then they could get a decent fee for Zetterstrom, particularly as he is in the final 12 months of his deal.

His performances at the World Cup have also helped to boost his profile, which will further add to his transfer value, which could at least offer the Championship side good compensation for his exit.