Rangers Lose Out to Hull City on Next ‘Jude’

By the Editorial Team · Tuesday, August 4, 2026

Norwegian midfielder Jens Hjerto-Dahl is poised to join Premier League newcomers Hull City in an £8.5 million transfer, choosing the English club over offers from Rangers and Cardiff City. The move highlights Hull City's ambition to strengthen their squad as they return to the Premier League, while Hjerto-Dahl aims to adapt to the higher level of competition after impressing in Norway's Eliteserien.

Norwegian midfielder Jens Hjerto-Dahl is set to complete a £8.5 million transfer to English Premier League newcomers Hull City, despite reported interest from Scottish Premiership side Rangers and Championship club Cardiff City. The 20-year-old attacking midfielder, currently playing for Tromso, has drawn attention for his impressive performances in the Norwegian Eliteserien.

Former Tromso and Brann manager Steinar Nilsen, who also played for AC Milan and Napoli, has compared Hjerto-Dahl to England and Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham. Nilsen described Hjerto-Dahl as an exciting talent with similarities to Bellingham but suggested the player would have benefited from an intermediate step before moving to one of the world’s most demanding leagues. “The Premier League is two levels up from the Norwegian Eliteserien, at least,” Nilsen said. He added that a period of physical and mental development, similar to that of Erling Haaland, might help Hjerto-Dahl adapt more effectively.

Hjerto-Dahl himself expressed a strong desire to play in the Premier League, calling it the biggest football league globally. “It would be incredible to play there,” he said, adding that Hull City’s interest felt right to him: “Hull are a cool team. A club that wants me has to feel right. If something comes along that gives me the feeling of, ‘yes, this feels good, cool league, cool team,’ you jump on it.”

The midfielder acknowledged that multiple options had been under consideration during recent transfer speculation but emphasized his focus remains on his current club until the move is finalized. “There have been two or three times where we have had to make a decision on a few different things,” he noted. “But I think I’ve handled the speculation well. It’s just trying to stay focused here as long as I’m here.”

The transfer marks a significant step in Hjerto-Dahl’s career and represents a strategic acquisition for Hull City as they prepare for their first season back in England’s top flight. Meanwhile, Rangers were reportedly interested but saw their offer rejected in favor of Hull’s bid.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.