Rangers remain firmly in the race to sign Tromso midfielder Jens Hjerto-Dahl despite seeing their opening offer rejected, with Derek McInnes determined to add the highly-rated Norwegian to his squad before the transfer window closes.
The 20-year-old has emerged as one of Rangers’ leading transfer targets this summer as the club continue a major rebuild in midfield ahead of the new campaign. While an initial proposal is believed to have fallen short of Tromso’s valuation, there is growing confidence that Rangers are preparing to return with an improved bid in an effort to revive negotiations.
McInnes has already strengthened the middle of the park with the arrival of Dan Neil, but recruitment is far from finished. Rangers also remain in talks over a move for Partizan captain Vanja Dragojevic, with Hjerto-Dahl viewed as another player capable of transforming the club’s midfield for years to come.
Rangers refuse to give up on Jens Hjerto-Dahl
Despite the setback of having their first offer rejected, Rangers are understood to have no intention of ending their pursuit.
Tromso are reluctant to lose one of their brightest young talents, particularly as their domestic season is still ongoing. The Norwegian side are under little financial pressure to sell immediately and are aware that Hjerto-Dahl’s impressive performances have attracted attention from clubs across Europe.
Rather than accepting the first offer received, Tromso are expected to hold out for a fee they believe reflects the midfielder’s growing reputation.
That stance has not discouraged Rangers.
The Ibrox club remain optimistic that further negotiations could eventually lead to an agreement, particularly if an improved package is presented in the coming days.
With McInnes identifying Hjerto-Dahl as one of his priority targets, Rangers appear prepared to continue discussions rather than move on to alternative options.
Why Rangers are so keen on Hjerto-Dahl
It is easy to understand why Rangers have made the Norwegian midfielder such an important target.
Hjerto-Dahl has enjoyed a superb campaign in the Eliteserien, scoring five goals and providing two assists in just 12 league appearances.
However, his qualities extend well beyond his attacking contributions.
The youngster has built a reputation as a complete central midfielder, capable of breaking up opposition attacks, progressing the ball through midfield and arriving in dangerous positions in the final third.
His energy, work rate and technical ability have made him one of the standout young players in Norwegian football, with scouts from several European clubs keeping a close eye on his development.
At just 20 years of age, Hjerto-Dahl also fits perfectly into Rangers’ evolving recruitment strategy.
The club have placed a greater emphasis on signing younger players with significant development potential and future resale value, making the Norwegian an ideal fit for the long-term vision at Ibrox.
Reports from Norway have also suggested the player would be interested in a move to Rangers should the two clubs reach an agreement, potentially giving McInnes’ side an advantage despite competition from elsewhere.
Rangers continue major midfield rebuild
The pursuit of Hjerto-Dahl highlights just how significant Rangers’ midfield overhaul could become before the transfer window closes.
Dan Neil has already arrived at Ibrox, bringing experience and leadership, while negotiations remain ongoing over a move for Vanja Dragojevic.
Should Rangers complete deals for both Dragojevic and Hjerto-Dahl, the club would invest well over £10 million in central midfield alone.
Such spending would underline McInnes’ determination to reshape one of the most important areas of his squad.
The Rangers manager is believed to be looking for athletic, technically gifted midfielders capable of playing with intensity while also providing creativity and control in possession.
Hjerto-Dahl’s profile matches those requirements almost perfectly.
Could more departures follow?
Significant investment in midfield would almost certainly lead to movement in the opposite direction.
Nicolas Raskin continues to attract interest following his impressive World Cup performances, with clubs across Europe believed to be monitoring his situation.
Connor Barron has also been linked with interest from England and Italy after an encouraging first season at Rangers, while Lewis Ferguson continues to be mentioned as a player admired by the club.
Although Rangers would ideally like to keep the core of their squad together, the reality of modern football means substantial offers could force difficult decisions.
McInnes appears to be planning for every possible scenario by ensuring replacements are identified well before any departures are confirmed.
Rangers showing ambition in the transfer market
Rangers’ pursuit of Jens Hjerto-Dahl is another indication of the club’s intent under Derek McInnes.
Rather than simply targeting experienced players, Rangers are investing in young talent capable of making an immediate impact while also increasing in value over time.
Although Tromso remain reluctant to sell and negotiations are unlikely to be straightforward, Rangers’ continued interest suggests they believe a deal is still achievable.
The coming weeks could prove decisive, but one thing is clear: McInnes sees Hjerto-Dahl as a player who can play a major role in Rangers’ future.
If the Ibrox club can reach an agreement with Tromso, they will secure one of the most highly-rated young midfielders in Scandinavian football and take another significant step towards completing an ambitious rebuild ahead of the new season.