Graham Potter might have just handed Derby County transfer millions | OneFootball

Derby County's Jacob Widell Zetterstrom could increase his value with a big performance against France with Sweden.

Derby County are gearing up for an exciting summer transfer window as they look to build a squad that can reach the play-offs next season.

John Eustace has done a fine job since his appointment at Pride Park, and whilst there was frustration at missing out on the top six last season, it’s clear the club are heading in the right direction.

The Rams have already made positive strides in the current window, with Bobby Clark joining the club on a permanent basis after his successful loan, which is seen as a real coup.

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Derby County face a battle to keep Jacob Widell Zetterstrom

However, like all Championship clubs, Derby are vulnerable to losing their key men in the window, and one player who is attracting interest is Jacob Widell Zetterstrom.

The keeper has been superb for the East Midlands outfit since his arrival from Djurgaden, so it’s no surprise that he is on the radar of other clubs, with Fabrizio Romano stating that Leeds, Wolves and Frankfurt are tracking the stopper.

Of course, Derby are an ambitious club who want to reach the Premier League, so they won’t want to lose Zetterstrom, as he is one of the top keepers in the league.

Yet, we all know that money talks, and the likes of Brighton, Bournemouth and Brentford have shown how important it is to be able to sell at the right time in order to progress as a club.

Therefore, Derby must demand a significant fee for Zetterstrom, but their stance will be complicated by the keeper’s contract situation, as he is entering the final 12 months of his deal.

Naturally, that is going to impact his value, as buying clubs could look to take advantage of that, knowing that Zetterstrom could depart on a free next year.

Jacob Widell Zetterstrom could raise his profile at the World Cup

But, one factor that could give Derby a stronger hand when it comes to negotiations is Zetterstrom's performances at the World Cup.

The Sweden international went to the tournament expecting to be on the bench, but the 5-1 hammering at the hands of the Netherlands prompted Graham Potter to make a switch between the sticks for their final crucial group game against Japan.

It’s a decision that worked out, as Zetterstrom impressed, making some big saves as Sweden picked up a point that took them to the knockout stages. So, it was a huge night for the 27-year-old, and his performance will have only enhanced his growing reputation.

That result has set up a Round of 32 tie against France, which is a daunting prospect for Sweden, who will be massive underdogs.

Nevertheless, it’s another chance for Zetterstrom to show what he can do, against a country that many believe will win the World Cup.

With Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembélé among the attacking options that France boast, it’s fair to say that it will be a very busy night for Zetterstrom. Despite that, it’s a game that he will be relishing, as it will be the biggest stage the keeper has played on in his career.

We have seen how one performance at the World Cup can raise the profile of individuals, and it’s set up for Zetterstrom to show his talent - even if Sweden are eliminated, as many expect.

For Derby, that’s a great position to be in, as it’s a no-lose situation. If Sweden do lose, and the keeper struggles, it won’t do much to his value.

Yet, if he can play well against a side that has players from Real Madrid, PSG and Bayern Munich, it will raise the profile of Zetterstrom, and it could be the trigger to convince clubs that he is worth taking a chance on.

Obviously, in an ideal world, Zetterstrom will stay at Derby, sign a new contract, and play in the Premier League with the Rams.

Realistically, though, a transfer is a strong possibility this summer, and, if that’s the case, the only aim for Derby is to get the highest fee they can.

No matter what happens, they’re sure to make a good profit on the keeper, but Potter’s decision to make Zetterstrom his number one mid-tournament has opened up the possibility for Derby to make extra millions.