Boreham Wood confirm Abdul Abdulmalik exit for record Non-League transfer fee

Abdul Abdulmalik has completed his move to Djurgårdens IF from Boreham Wood for a record-breaking fee, bringing weeks of uncertainty over his future to an end.

The 23-year-old has joined the Swedish club for a reported initial fee of £1.5m, with potential add-ons, in a deal which is set to become the biggest transfer sale by a Non-League club since Leicester City paid Fleetwood Town £1m for Jamie Vardy in 2012.

Abdulmalik was left out of Luke Garrard’s squad for victories over Forest Green Rovers and Boston United – and he requested to leave the club on Tuesday.

He took the National League by storm last season, scoring 17 goals and providing 10 assists as Boreham Wood reached the play-off final at Wembley, where they were beaten by Rochdale.

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Favourite son

Boreham Wood described Abdulmalik as one of their “favourite sons” in a statement confirming his departure, adding that he had “earned himself a place in the hearts of all Wood supporters”.

The club added: “Offering bundles of excitement, energy and flair, in truth, Abdul Abdulmalik has lit up the Meadow Park turf and made a lasting impression on the pitch to all who saw him play live.”

Reflecting on his time at the club, Abdulmalik said: “The club means a lot to me because of how I’ve been supported here by fans, players and staff. 

“Something I didn’t expect was to make as many great connections with staff and teammates who are either still at the club or have left, it really is a great place.”

On the relationship with the fans, he added: “The support I was shown allowed me to express myself so freely on the pitch and produce memorable moments, and I can’t thank them enough.

“My relationship with the supporters was good, I’d say. We’d interact in the ‘Glass House’ sometimes and have positive conversations.

“I enjoyed playing in front of you all and I wish the club all the best. I can’t wait to see the club in the EFL and progress as far as they can.”

Rare opportunity

Boreham Wood chairman Danny Hunter had issued a firm stance on his star forward’s situation on Wednesday, insisting he could only leave for the right price and that he even expected him to remain at the club beyond this transfer window.

The current holder of The NLP’s Young Player of the Year award, which he collected at the National Game Awards in May, had spoken about his humble beginnings and his desire to take the opportunity to move on in a statement posted on his Instagram account.

He said: “Opportunities like this are rare, especially within the National League where some of the hardest-working talent is overlooked.

“The game of football is forever changing and decisions are fast-paced.”

Having ultimately sanctioned the move, Hunter paid tribute to the forward’s impact during his time at Meadow Park.

New adventure

“Everyone at Boreham Wood FC would like to thank Abdul for his efforts during his time at the club,” he said.

“He got everyone out of their seats when he got on the ball, and we wish him the very best of luck as he embarks on a new and very exciting adventure in Sweden.”

Garrard commented: “I want to wish Abdul the best of luck in his new adventure.

“He’s someone I have had the privilege of working with closely over the last couple of years and I can genuinely say he’s special.

“We have all witnessed his brilliance on the pitch and I can envisage him doing it at the top of the game.

“I will follow his journey with fondness and look forward to him progressing and delivering on the big stage.

“Huge good luck Abs, don’t be a stranger.”

READ MORE: Boreham Wood chairman Danny Hunter stands firm over Abdul Abdulmalik situation