Burnley sign Sweden defender Hjalmar Ekdal
Burnley has confirmed the signing of Swedish centre-back Hjalmar Ekdal from Djurgården IF.
The 24-year-old has signed a four-and-a-half-year deal and joins for an undisclosed fee believed to be around £2.5m.
Ekdal becomes Burnley’s second signing of the January transfer window and also the second centre-back they have signed following Ameen Al-Dakhil’s arrival from Sint-Truiden earlier this month.
The Sweden international traveled to England earlier this week to undergo his medical and was on hand at Turf Moor to watch Burnley’s 2-1 win over West Brom on Friday night – a result which saw them move 19 points clear, at least for now, at third place. Watford at the top of the championship.
Ekdal made 69 appearances for Djurgardens after joining them in 2021, while also playing in the Europa Conference League this season.
On loan Manchester City centre-back Taylor Harwood-Belli’s long-term injury made central defense a priority in the window.
Starting center back colleague Jordan Beyer is also on loan so permanent options were key.
Ekdal is not expected to be Burnley’s final signing of the window with the club in talks with Westerlo for striker Lyle Foster. Discussions have also been held up Swansea Citypp Michael Obafemi.
(Photo: Burnley FC)