Derby County’s lengthy search for a new goalkeeper seems to be nearing an end as a transfer appears imminent.

Following the departure of Joe Wildsmith, who left Pride Park as a free agent this summer, the Rams have been actively seeking a new number one. Wildsmith, a former Sheffield Wednesday shot-stopper, had become a reliable presence between the posts during his two years at the club, but contract negotiations failed, prompting the need for a new player.

Currently, Josh Vickers is the only senior goalkeeper in the squad, amid rumors of potential deals for Daniel Iversen and Marek Rodak. However, it looks like Derby have settled on their choice, Swedish international Jacob Widell Zetterstrom.

Reports suggest that Derby have agreed on a £1.4 million deal with Djurgardens for Zetterstrom this summer. While these reports remain unconfirmed, Djurgardens’ club chief Bosse Andersson has hinted that the move is indeed set to go through.

Bosse Andersson confirms Jacob Widell Zetterstrom’s transfer to Derby.

In an interview with Swedish outlet  Aftonbladet, Djurgardens’ sporting director Bosse Andersson discussed Jacob Widell Zetterstrom’s impending transfer to Derby County.

“It is perhaps more natural that he should leave,” Andersson stated. “We signed Malkolm [Nilsson Säfqvist, goalkeeper] last winter and Jacob [Widell Zetterstrom] has been here for a long time.

“We have had discussions for quite some time. It is unfortunate when you submit the Uefa cup [Europa Conference League] list and you are in sharp negotiations.

“It’s probably the week you don’t want sharp negotiations, so it’s clear that it’s a challenge.

“But there the starting point is a little different.

“I am completely convinced that he will play in Derby, but that transfer may not happen in the next few weeks.”

With some big games on the horizon, it appears there will be a bit of a wait before the Rams have their new goalkeeper available.

Paul Warne’s worries about Derby’s goalkeeper.

One thing is clear about Derby County’s move for Jacob Widell Zetterstrom: it hasn’t been an easy deal to negotiate.

This is partly due to Djurgardens’ involvement in the Europa Conference League qualifiers, with their next round of fixtures kicking off on Thursday. The Swedish team is in the second round of qualifying, with two legs against FC Progres concluding on August 1st. If they advance to the third round of qualifying, those matches are scheduled for August 8th and August 15th.

This situation aligns with the concern that Derby manager Paul Warne hinted at last week when speaking to BBC Radio Derby: “There’s been a target in mind for weeks now but, there’s a complication to it which will become very evident once he signs hopefully but if not we have to persevere with another target.”

For now, it appears that fans will have to wait a bit longer for the deal to be made official, with potential twists and turns still possible.