Widell Zetterström Returns to Derby After World Cup as European Interest Grows

Overview

• Jacob Widell Zetterström has rejoined Derby County’s pre-season squad in Austria after being given extended leave following his appearances for Sweden at the World Cup.
• Derby players and staff welcomed his return as he described the tournament as a “crazy experience” that he is proud to have lived.
• Reports from French outlet Foot Mercato and transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano say Lyon, Leeds, Eintracht Frankfurt and Wolves have shown interest in Zetterström, though no club has confirmed a bid.
• Zetterström recovered from a virus that sidelined him for much of last season and kept his focus on improving and helping Derby mount another promotion push.
• Derby bought Zetterström from Djurgården in 2024 as part of a strategy to develop European talent into assets, and his World Cup displays have raised his profile in ways that could test Derby’s ability to hold on to him this summer.