Rangers weigh £7m gamble on Norwegian midfielder Jens Hjerto-Dahl

Rangers have entered positive discussions with Tromso midfielder Jens Hjerto-Dahl, the 20‑year‑old Norwegian whose £7 million price tag has sparked debate over whether the Scottish giants should pay that amount. The club believes the player’s six goals and two assists in 13 league games make him a valuable addition, while rival Cardiff City also circles the deal.

Rangers hold the cards in the race for the Tromso midfielder. They have already had positive talks with the 20‑year‑old’s representatives, and the word from inside the camp is clear.

If the money is right, he chooses Glasgow. Cardiff City want him too, but the allure of European nights at Ibrox and guaranteed first‑team minutes gives the Scottish giants a massive advantage.

Tromso are holding out for £7 million, a steep price tag for a player who has never kicked a ball outside the Eliteserien. The young playmaker has made it known he prefers a move to Scotland over grinding it out in the English Championship.

Six goals and two assists in 13 league appearances this season tell their own story. Hjerto‑Dahl is averaging a 7.4 FotMob rating and has been playing almost every single minute for his club.

Comparisons will be drawn to Nicolas Raskin, who looks destined for the exit door this summer. The towering midfielder, with two Young Player of the Month awards and a spot on the CIES top‑100 teenage list, plays with an elegance likened to Paul Pogba and Sergio Busquets.

The main sticking point is cash. Rangers have already seen a £5.3 million bid knocked back, and Tromso sports director Lars Petter Kraemer‑Andressen has publicly stated the club expects a premium for their prize asset.

With a contract running until 2027, the Norwegians are under zero pressure to sell on the cheap. Rangers have already spent heavily this window on Ivor Pandur, Ross McCrorie, Dan Neil and Ben Godfrey, so shelling out the full £7 million upfront feels reckless.

The smartest move may be to negotiate a deal structured around £5.5 million to £6 million with performance‑related add‑ons, using the player’s desire as leverage. Overpaying simply because Cardiff entered the room makes little sense, especially as other midfield targets remain on the radar.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – MAY 10: James Tavernier of Rangers was substituted during a Premier League match, a photo by Ian MacNicol captured the moment. (Via Transfer Feed)