Abdul Abdulmalik Ready for Next Challenge After £1.5m Bid Rejected
Abdul Abdulmalik says he is “capable of reaching the top” after Boreham Wood turned down a £1.5m bid from Swedish side Djurgarden for the in-demand forward.
The National League club have already rejected an earlier £1m offer this month and are standing firm. Manager Luke Garrard underlined that stance at the weekend, insisting “he is our player” after leaving the 23-year-old out of Saturday’s 3-0 win over Forest Green.
For Abdulmalik, though, this feels like a career-defining moment.
“I’m ready for the next challenge”
In a statement released through his agent, the striker paid tribute to the club that revived his career, but made it clear he wants to move.
“Everyone at Boreham Wood FC and the incredible fans have played a massive part [in my journey]. You will always have my respect,” he said.
“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.”
His words carry weight because of what he has just produced. Abdulmalik erupted in the 2025-26 campaign, hitting 17 goals and supplying 10 assists as Boreham Wood surged to the National League play-off final. On the biggest stage, Wembley, he both scored and assisted.
That form has dragged him into the wider market. Djurgarden’s £1.5m offer would smash the record fee for a player from England’s fifth tier, eclipsing the £1m Leicester City paid Fleetwood Town for Jamie Vardy in 2012. Boreham Wood, though, have so far refused to cash in.
A rare opportunity
Abdulmalik framed the bid as a reward for years of graft – and a chance he cannot simply watch drift by.
“Through sheer hard work and perseverance, the opportunity to progress has come around,” he said. “This is my chance to push myself as a footballer, elevate my game and most importantly fulfil my promise to the ones around me.”
He knows where he comes from, and he knows how quickly the door can slam shut for players at his level.
“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.”
From Millwall prospect to National League star
Abdulmalik’s conviction is rooted in a journey that has already taken a few sharp turns.
He came through Millwall’s academy, progressed through their youth ranks and represented England at under-17 level. With the Lions’ Under-21s he tasted success, helping secure back-to-back Professional Development League South titles in 2022-23 and 2023-24.
The next step never came. A consistent route into Millwall’s first team failed to materialise and he was released in 2024. Boreham Wood moved quickly, picking him up on a free and handing him the platform he has now maximised.
That platform has turned into leverage. A record-breaking offer is on the table, the player is openly pushing for progression, and the club are holding their line.
BBC Sport has contacted Boreham Wood for comment.
