National League star who could break Jamie Vardy's record issues statement after huge bid rejected
Boreham Wood winger Abdul Abdulmalik has issued a statement after the National League club rejected a non-league record bid of £1.5 million from a Swedish club.
Abdulmalik, 23, has had reported interest from Championship and League One clubs this summer after he played a starring role in helping Boreham Wood to reach the National League play-off final last season.
He scored and provided an assist in the final as The Wood lost on penalties to Rochdale after a 2-2 draw over 120 minutes.
They have started this season well with two wins and a draw, and Abdulmalik was involved in two of the goals as they beat FC Halifax 3-1.
Advert
But the winger wasn't named in the squad for Saturday's 3-0 away win at big-spending Forest Green amid increasing speculation over his future.
Sky Sports News reported at the beginning of August that Swedish top-tier club Djurgardens had seen a bid worth £750,000 rejected by Boreham Wood.
READ MORE: Non-league transfer record could be shattered as Boreham Wood reject offer for star man
Two more bids have since been tabled by the same club, with the most recent totalling a huge £1.5 million.
That figure eclipses the non-league transfer record, which stands at the £1 million that Leicester spent to sign Jamie Vardy from Fleetwood Town.
Alongside EFL clubs and Sweden, there is also believed to be interest in Abdulmalik from France.
Abdulmalik originally came through Millwall's youth academy, but did not make an appearance for the first team.
He spent time on loan at Wealdstone in the 2023/24 season before joining Boreham Wood, then of the National League South, as a free agent in the summer of 2024.
The winger has now issued a statement on his Instagram page, which has over 10,000 followers, stating that he is 'ready for the next challenge' and wants to leave Boreham Wood.
'I owe it to myself and kids growing up just like me' - Abdul Abdulmalik statement
"I'm just a kid from South London," the statement begins. "Just like most boys where I'm from, it starts in a council estate.
"We dreamt of playing the beautiful game at the highest level. I'd dream about the big games, the stadium lights, the opportunity to come up against and play alongside the best.
"Kids where I'm from know we have to work extra hard and nothing is handed to us. I have always known this, that's why I continue to strive for the best.
"My career in football wouldn't even be possible without the support of my family and loved ones. We don't come from much so it's never been the easiest career to support. For those people, I will always be grateful and fortunate.
"That's why from the beginning I have vowed to do my best to support them and take my career to the furthest heights possible.
"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.
"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.
"Moving on from a club is one of the toughest decisions in a footballer's career. I'm more than grateful for everyone that has been a part of my journey so far.
"Everyone at Boreham Wood FC and the incredible fans have played a massive part. You will always have my respect. 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."
Topics: Football
Ryan Smart