Tromsø starlet Jens Hjertø-Dahl has spoken for the first time about Hull City‘s interest in him, as they look to wrap up a deal in the coming days. The midfielder has acknowledged the interest, saying he’s ‘flattered’ by the Tigers’ overtures.
Hjertø-Dahl has emerged as one of Norway’s top young talents, and City are understood to be pushing to sign the youngster in a bid to bolster their midfield ranks going into the Premier League.
A former coach at Tromsø, Steinar Nilsen, even likened the 20-year-old to England star Jude Bellingham, suggesting he was ‘reminiscent’ of the Real Madrid playmaker, such is the regard he’s held in.
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Hjertø-Dahl admits interest in him has progressed significantly in recent weeks, and that a move to the Premier League and Hull City would be something he’d like.
“You can see that things are moving a bit. It’s great,” he said of the links to the Tigers. “The biggest league in the world, and the one most people watch. Hull is a cool team. The league is the biggest in the world, and it would have been incredibly cool.
“It’s not always easy. Every time there’s training, every time there’s a match, it goes well. But it’s… when there’s no training and no match, then, in the evening at home, but I think I’ve handled it well. It’s just trying to stay focused here as long as I’m here,” he added, addressing questions about dealing with the ongoing uncertainty.
Born in the Tromsø region, the talented star admits leaving Norway would be difficult at his age, but says the chance to try something new is never a bad thing, especially when that opportunity is the Premier League.
“If that happens, it’s of course a bit sad, but maybe you have to try something new too,” he continued, before explaining that speculation surrounding his future is something he’s getting used to dealing with.
“There have been two or three times where we have had to make a decision on a few different things. So of course, it’s in the back of our minds.”
It’s understood City sent a scout to watch him in action in Czechia on Thursday night, with the midfielder playing 73 minutes as Tromsø were eliminated from the Europa League qualifying rounds, losing 3-1 to Hradec Králové, and now must settle for a place in the Conference League.
“It definitely wasn’t my best match,” he said of his display. “It was difficult. I wasn’t able to produce what I needed to in order to perform at the level I know I can. They made it difficult, and at this level you have to produce that little bit extra if you’re going to progress.”
It remains to be seen if City can tie up a deal before Tromsø’s next game, so as it stands, he’s expected to play against Ålesund in the Eliteserien on Sunday. “No, nothing is planned,” he added. “You never know, though. Things can happen very quickly. But as things stand, my plan is to go to Ålesund.”
Elsewhere, it’s understood City are waiting on visas for both Konstantinos Tzolakis and Nobel Mendy, and once those have been received, their respective announcements can be made. As of Saturday, Florentino Luis’ clause allowing him to leave Burnley on loan has also become active, and the Tigers are moving quickly to get that wrapped up.
Going the other way, as Hull Live reported on Thursday, Nathan Tinsdale’s loan move to League Two side Crawley Town has been confirmed.
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