Derby County have experienced a notable upturn in form under manager John Eustace, particularly after narrowly avoiding relegation to League One in the previous season. Eustace, who took charge in February 2025, guided the team to a 19th-place finish in the Championship. Survival was achieved by the slimmest of margins—just one point—in their first season back in the second tier following promotion under Paul Warne in 2024.
During Eustace’s first full summer at the helm, the club made significant investments in strengthening the squad, a strategy that has helped push them toward potential play-off contention. However, with another transfer window approaching, Derby may need to generate funds before making further additions. This has raised the possibility of selling one of their key players.
One name that has attracted increasing attention is goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterström, who has been linked with interest from top-tier clubs in recent months. According to Derby fan pundit Shaun Woodward, the club may now be more inclined to sell Zetterström, particularly following the long-term injury suffered by forward Patrick Agyemang.
Woodward suggested that with Agyemang sidelined for several months, Derby might have lost a potential source of transfer income they had been counting on. As a result, selling another valuable asset could become necessary to fund squad improvements. He identified Zetterström, along with defender Sondre Langås, as among the few players capable of commanding a significant transfer fee.
Despite some concerns over Zetterström’s fitness this season—due to injuries or an unspecified illness—the goalkeeper has shown considerable development. Woodward noted that when fully fit, Zetterström could be valued between £6 million and £10 million, highlighting his improved performances, better decision-making, and enhanced distribution since adapting to English football.
Zetterström has not featured for Derby since January, having been sidelined for several months by a mysterious illness. However, there is still hope that he could return before the season concludes, which would be crucial as the club continues to push for a top-six finish.
Meanwhile, Agyemang is expected to be out for as long as nine months after suffering a serious Achilles injury. This setback likely rules out any summer transfer, despite previous interest from clubs such as Crystal Palace and Leeds United. The American striker, who joined Derby from Charlotte FC for an initial £5.8 million, had been a key part of the squad before his injury.
His absence has complicated Derby’s financial outlook, as the club may now struggle to secure the kind of major sale they had anticipated. This situation has intensified speculation about Zetterström’s future at Pride Park.
At his best, Zetterström has been one of Derby’s standout performers this season and has the potential to command a substantial transfer fee. However, his recent lack of playing time could reduce interest from potential buyers. For Derby to maximise his market value, it may be essential for him to return to action before the end of the campaign and prove his fitness.
Ultimately, while Derby would prefer to retain a player of Zetterström’s quality, financial realities may force their hand. Selling either him or Langås could provide the funds needed to rebuild and strengthen the squad ahead of next season.
