The potential profits from any future sales will only enhance their standing in the competitive Championship market.
As Derby County looks to solidify their position in the Championship following a successful return
to the second tier, two of their brightest talents—goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterstrom and defender
Eiran Cashin—are fast becoming hot property in the football transfer market. Both players, integral
to the Rams’ push for stability in the Championship, are now seen as highly valuable assets, with
potential price tags in the £15-20m range should they attract interest from Premier League clubs.
Zetterstrom: A £1m Bargain Set for a Big Profit.
When Derby signed Swedish goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterstrom from Djurgården in the summer
of 2023 for around £1.4m, many considered it a savvy piece of business for a newly promoted
League One club. Fast forward to the current Championship campaign, and it’s clear that the 26-
year-old shot-stopper has far exceeded expectations.
Zetterstrom’s performances in his first 11 Championship appearances, which included three clean
sheets, have cemented his reputation as one of the best young goalkeepers in the division. As Derby
fan pundit Shaun Woodward highlights, Zetterstrom’s value has already soared.
“He’s going to go on to be a top, top goalkeeper for years to come,” said Woodward. “If he continues
to develop, he could easily be worth £10m to £15m.”
Zetterstrom’s impressive start to life in England suggests that Derby County could earn a significant
profit should the goalkeeper decide to move on. If his development continues at the current rate,
clubs in need of a reliable and future-proof goalkeeper will be prepared to pay a premium for his
services, making him one of the best value signings Derby has made in recent years.
Cashin: Derby’s £10m Defender.
Alongside Zetterstrom, Eiran Cashin has emerged as one of Derby’s key players since making his
breakthrough into the first team. A product of Derby’s academy, the 22-year-old centre-back has
been a stalwart at the heart of the defense, helping the Rams secure promotion to the Championship
last season with a standout campaign in League One.
Over 44 appearances last season, Cashin won 75.8% of his tackles, 62.4% of his duels, and 62.3% of
his aerial duels, showcasing his defensive solidity and all-around game. His performances have not
gone unnoticed, with Premier League clubs reportedly interested in his services. In particular,
Brighton and Hove Albion were linked with a £3m bid during the summer of 2023, but Derby
rejected the offer, believing Cashin’s value to be much higher.
Given Cashin’s rise in stature and his consistent performances in the Championship, Derby are now
in a position to demand a much higher price for the young defender. According to Woodward,
Cashin’s current value sits in the £10m range, with potential for it to increase even further should he
continue his upward trajectory in the second tier.
“Look at some of the fees Championship players have fetched when moving to the Premier League,”
Woodward continued. “We’re talking £15-20m for some of them. Cashin’s not quite there yet, but
he’s definitely worth more than the £4m or £5m Brighton offered. He’s easily worth £10m now, and
we should hold out for that kind of money.”
Derby County’s Strong Position.
The growing interest in Zetterstrom and Cashin is a reflection of the overall upward trajectory of
Derby County under manager Paul Warne. With solid performances from key players like these two,
Derby are not only on course to establish themselves in the Championship but also to turn their
talented individuals into valuable assets in the transfer market.
As clubs in the Premier League look to the Championship for emerging talent, Derby’s ability to
demand higher fees for their players will be crucial in strengthening the club’s financial position.
Should Zetterstrom or Cashin leave, Derby will likely make a healthy profit on both, with each
player potentially netting the Rams a transfer windfall in the £10-20m range.
A Bright Future Ahead.
For now, Derby County will be focused on retaining their key players and ensuring they continue to
compete at a high level in the Championship. However, with the interest in Zetterstrom and Cashin
only set to grow as the season progresses, the club may soon face tough decisions regarding their
future.
For Zetterstrom, his £1.4m move from Djurgården could one day look like an absolute steal, while
Cashin’s rise from academy product to £10m-rated defender is a testament to the club’s youth
development system. Whatever the future holds for these two stars, one thing is clear: Derby County
are poised to reap the rewards of their investment in young talent, and the potential profits from
any future sales will only enhance their standing in the competitive Championship market.
