Boreham Wood forward Abdul Abdulmalik said he is “capable of reaching the top” after the National League side rejected a £1.5m offer from Swedish club Djurgarden.
The 23-year-old has been the subject of serious interest from the Swedish top-flight side, who had an offer of £1m rejected earlier this month.
Boreham Wood do not want to sell Abdulmalik, with manager Luke Garrard saying “he is our player” after the forward was left out of the London club’s 3-0 victory over Forest Green on Saturday.
“Everyone at Boreham Wood FC and the incredible fans have played a massive part [in my journey]. You will always have my respect,” Adbulmalik said in a statement released by his agent.
“With this said, I’m ready for the next challenge. I’m ready to prove to myself and those around me that I’m capable of reaching the top.”
Abdulmalik enjoyed a breakout season in 2025-26, scoring 17 goals and providing 10 assists as Boreham Wood reached the National League play-off final, where he scored and assisted at Wembley.
Djurgarden’s £1.5m offer would have broken the record fee paid for a fifth-tier player in England, set in 2012 when Leicester paid Fleetwood Town £1m for Jamie Vardy.
“Through sheer hard work and perseverance, the opportunity to progress has come around. This is my chance to push myself as a footballer, elevate my game and most importantly fulfil my promise to the ones around me,” Abdulmalik continued.
“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. There’s no guarantee that the same chances come knocking twice.
“I owe it to myself and the kids growing up just like me to fight for this one I’ve been offered.”
Abdulmalik came through Millwall’s academy, progressing through the club’s youth system and representing England at under-17 level.
He was part of the club’s Under-21s successes – securing consecutive Professional Development League South titles in 2022-23 and 2023-24.
However, a pathway into consistent first-team football did not materialise and Abdulmalik was released in 2024, before Boreham Wood signed him as a free agent.
BBC Sport has contacted Boreham Wood for comment.
