£1.5m-rated Abdulmalik asks to leave Boreham Wood

Boreham Wood forward Abdul Abdulmalik has requested an exit from the club following a £1.5m bid from Swedish side Djurgarden, which the National League side rejected. The 23-year-old, who has attracted interest from the Swedish top-flight club, rejected an earlier £1m offer from Djurgarden. Boreham Wood manager Luke Garrard maintains Abdulmalik is part of the team, following his exclusion from the match against Forest Green.

Abdulmalik expressed gratitude towards Boreham Wood FC and its fans, acknowledging their significance in his journey. He stated his readiness to face new challenges and prove his potential to reach the top. Abdulmalik's stellar 2025-26 season included 17 goals and 10 assists, contributing to Boreham Wood's play-off final appearance at Wembley.

Djurgarden's £1.5m offer would have set a record for the highest fee paid for a fifth-tier player in England, surpassing the 2012 record of £1m paid by Leicester for Jamie Vardy. Abdulmalik attributes his opportunities to hard work and perseverance, recognizing the rarity of such chances, particularly in the National League where talented players are often overlooked.

The football landscape is rapidly evolving, with decisions moving swiftly, making such opportunities fleeting. Abdulmalik, who progressed through Millwall's academy and represented England at the under-17 level, had a promising career before failing to break into the first-team at Boreham Wood. Released in 2024, he was subsequently signed as a free agent by the club.

Boreham Wood FC and its supporters played a crucial role in shaping Abdulmalik's career, and he expressed his gratitude towards them.