NafisaRangers supporters have been handed another reminder of exactly why Derek McInnes is so determined to bring Jens Hjerto-Dahl to Ibrox after the Norwegian midfielder produced yet another eye-catching display for Tromso.
With Rangers already understood to have agreed personal terms with the highly-rated 20-year-old, attention is now firmly on negotiations between the two clubs as the Light Blues look to complete one of their biggest deals of the summer.
McInnes has made strengthening his midfield a priority ahead of the new campaign, and Hjerto-Dahl continues to justify the club’s pursuit with every passing week.
The Norwegian league is already well into its season, and Tromso currently sit at the top of the table thanks in no small part to the outstanding form of their midfield star.
Against HamKam on Saturday, Hjerto-Dahl once again stole the spotlight with a moment of genuine quality.
Collecting the ball just outside the penalty area, the youngster shifted it onto his stronger foot before unleashing a powerful strike that flew beyond the goalkeeper and into the net. It was the type of finish that immediately caught the attention of Rangers fans following developments from afar.
His goal was only part of another impressive all-round performance.
Additional footage from the match also showed Hjerto-Dahl driving confidently out of defence with the ball at his feet, bursting through midfield before eventually being stopped only by a desperate sliding challenge from an opponent.
Those powerful forward runs, combined with his energy, technical ability and willingness to influence games in both penalty areas, have only strengthened the growing excitement surrounding his proposed move to Ibrox.
Many observers have even highlighted similarities in his style of play to England and Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham.
While comparisons with one of world football’s elite midfielders should naturally be treated with caution, there are certainly aspects of Hjerto-Dahl’s game that resemble Bellingham’s.
Both players thrive as dynamic box-to-box midfielders, possess the confidence to carry the ball through the lines, contribute in attacking areas and have the ability to strike the ball cleanly from distance.
Rangers know they are investing in potential rather than a finished product, but the belief inside Ibrox is that Hjerto-Dahl has all the attributes to develop into one of the Scottish Premiership’s standout midfielders.
Reports continue to suggest personal terms have already been agreed, leaving Rangers focused on reaching a final agreement with Tromso.
The Scottish giants are expected to continue pushing for a breakthrough as McInnes looks to add another major signing to a summer rebuild that has already seen Lawrence Shankland, Dan Neil, Cammy Devlin, Ross McCrorie, Ben Godfrey and Ivor Pandur arrive at the club.
If Rangers can finally get the deal over the line, supporters will hope Saturday’s stunning strike is only a glimpse of what Hjerto-Dahl could soon be producing in a Rangers shirt.
Nafisa
