NafisaJens Hjerto-Dahl has finally addressed the growing speculation surrounding his future as Rangers continue to push for a deal to bring the highly-rated midfielder to Ibrox.
The Tromso star has emerged as one of Derek McInnes’ priority transfer targets this summer, with Rangers locked in talks over a move for the 20-year-old after he enjoyed an outstanding campaign in Norway.
Interest has intensified in recent weeks, with Cardiff City also entering the race, but Rangers are understood to have made significant progress as they look to strengthen their midfield before the new Scottish Premiership season.
Despite the constant transfer talk, Hjerto-Dahl has shown no signs of letting the speculation affect his performances.
The Norwegian youngster once again demonstrated why he is attracting attention from across Europe by producing another impressive display in Tromso’s emphatic 4-1 victory over HamKam, even getting himself on the scoresheet with a superb finish.
His latest goal only added to the excitement surrounding his future, but it was what happened after the final whistle that really caught supporters’ attention.
As Hjerto-Dahl made his way over to acknowledge the Tromso supporters, fans pleaded with him to remain at the club amid mounting reports linking him with a move away.
The midfielder admitted the emotional exchange was difficult to deal with but stopped short of offering any guarantees over his future.
Speaking after the match, he said:
“I don’t know what to say about the transfers.
“The way we work here is that I come to training every day and enjoy it. Then I get good support from my teammates.
“When the whistle blows, my head can’t be anywhere else. Then that will only lead to poor performances.
“After the match, I spoke to our fans.
“They asked me to stay and ask if it was the last game.
“I can’t bear to answer that. I’m taking it day by day and week by week.
“It was nice to score another goal from a situation I practice often in training.
“I acted on instinct, which was to curl it.
“After training, I practice this with the strikers and midfielders, although it doesn’t always go as well as that!
“We are playing very well at the moment and we have gained strength during the World Cup break.”
While Hjerto-Dahl avoided confirming whether a move is imminent, many Rangers supporters will view his refusal to dismiss the speculation as another indication that a transfer remains very much alive.
His manager, Jorgen Vik, also praised the midfielder’s professionalism despite the constant rumours linking him with an exit.
He said:
“He is strong.
“He is a role model for many of our fans. He lives in the present and is very invested in Tromso Sports Club.”
Rangers remain hopeful of finalising a deal as Derek McInnes continues his major squad rebuild at Ibrox.
With Vanja Dragojevic also closing in on a move to Glasgow, Hjerto-Dahl is widely viewed as another key piece in McInnes’ plans to reshape the Rangers midfield.
For now, the Norwegian insists he is taking things “day by day,” but with transfer talks continuing behind the scenes, the countdown towards a potential move to Ibrox appears far from over.
Nafisa
