Swedish International Defender Hjalmer Ekdal Joins Clarets
Burnley Football Club have this morning confirmed the signing of Swedish International defender Hjalmar Ekdal from Djurgarden IF on a four and a half year contract t Turf Moor for an undisclosed fee. The Stockholm born centre-back began his career in Sweden with Brommapojkarna FC as a youngster before moving to the USA aged eighteen to study and play college soccer for UNC Wilmington Seahawks.
After just a year in North Carolina, Ekdal returned to his native country and joined IK Frej where the 6ft 2in Swede featured 15 times across the 2018/19 season. Ekdal then moved to top-tier side Hammarby IF in the summer of 2019, with a loan spell at IK Sirius during a two year spell, the twenty-four year old then made the switch to Djurgardens in January 21. On the international front, the towering defender has represented Sweden’s national team three times, after featuring for his country from U19-U21 level.
Following two seasons with the ‘Iron Stoves’ Ekdal becomes Vincent Kompany’s second signing of the January transfer window. After signing his contract at Turf Moor, Hjalmar Ekdal said, “Burnley and Vincent Kompany have done amazing things so far this season, it’s something I really wanted to be a part of. It feels really good, I can’t wait to meet the team now and play in front of the amazing crowd at Turf Moor.”
Chadwick Media 