Sweden international Hjalmar Ekdal admits he is flattered by interest from Championship leaders Burnley, telling Footballskanalen that a move to Vincent Kompany’s Clarets side would be ‘awesome’.
With one of the most exciting young coaches in Europe turning Burnley into the sort of dominant, possession-heavy side most supporters could have only dreamed off during the dark final days under Sean Dyche, players like Ekdal may be lining up to sign on the dotted line these days.
Especially when you factor in Burnley’s seemingly imminent return to the Premier League stage.
“It’s obviously awesome. It’s flattering and a challenge that would be damn cool to take on,” says Ekdal. “It is probably not possible to join a better club in the middle of a season. There’s probably harmony there. It would have been damn cool to come in and experience it.”
Vincent Kompany’s Burnley are in talks to sign Sweden defender Hjalmar Ekdal
Ekdal, who plies his trade back home for Sweden with Djurgardens, is reportedly in talks to join the Championship leaders (Aftonbladet). A 6ft 2ins, right-footed centre-half, Ekdal’s arrival would help Burnley plan for life after Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Jordan Beyer, both of whom will return to their parent clubs in the summer.
“There are probably negotiations going on between the clubs right now,” Ekdal adds. “But I don’t know exactly how close it is. Talks have been going on for a while.
“I look at all the interest that comes in and evaluate (the options) individually. Maybe the dignity strikes higher in Burnley than it does at (Eredivisie outfit) Groningen, although I am aware that there is a good chance of playing time in Groningen.
“There are a lot of different parameters that you have to assess. But, if we take Burnley, it’s bloody awesome.”
According to Sun reporter Alan Nixon, negotiations between Burnley and Djurgardens have hit the buffers recently due to concerns over Ekdal’s chances of obtaining a work permit. Kompany may turn instead to Ameen Al-Dakhil.
Burnley had a £3.5 million bid rejected for the Sint-Triuden youngster over the summer but remain hot on his heels. A new striker is also on the agenda, though Sam Surridge wants to stay at Nottingham Forest and Viktor Gyokeres looks too expensive with Coventry City demanding over £10 million.
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