Rangers look set to reignite their interest in Tromsø midfielder Jens Hjertø-Dahl as head coach Danny Rohl continues to shape a squad built around physical presence, athleticism and long-term potential.
The 20-year-old Norwegian has been on Rangers radar since December, but speculation cooled as the Ibrox club prioritised other targets, including Tochi Chukwueni, Tuur Rommens and Andreas Skov Olsen.
With those deals now completed and midfield space created by the loan departures of Kieran Dowell to Hull City and Lyall Cameron to Aberdeen - with Joe Rothwell also expected to follow the duo out of Ibrox this month - Rangers are once again in a position to pursue another central midfielder.
Standing at 6ft 4, Hjertø-Dahl fits the physical profile Rohl has consistently targeted since arriving in Glasgow.
Every signing under the German has shared similar traits: height, strength, and the ability to compete athletically in high-intensity environments. The Tromsø midfielder would be another step in that direction.
Hjertø-Dahl has been a regular fixture in Tromsø’s midfield since he was just 17, making his senior debut in May 2023 against HamKam.
He has now amassed 87 appearances, scoring 12 goals, and has gained European experience through four UEFA Conference League outings - experiencing Scottish football with matches against Kilmarnock in August 2024.
On the international stage, he has earned seven caps for Norway’s Under-21 side, underlining his growing reputation.
His style of play blends physical dominance with technical quality. Hjertø-Dahl has previously cited Paul Pogba, Sergio Busquets and Ivan Rakitić as influences - a combination that reflects his mix of ball-carrying power, positional intelligence and passing range.
He is a midfielder who ranks highly for progressive carries, defensive actions, aerial duels, dribbles and recoveries, while also showing strong involvement in attacking phases, including touches in the opposition box.
In 2023, then-Norway U18 coach Luís Pimenta praised Hjertø-Dahl’s physique, composure and leadership potential, describing him as a “future leader”.
That assessment has been backed up by his rapid development, with the CIES Football Observatory naming him among the 100 best players under 20 in September 2024 based on experience levels.
He was also named Eliteserien Young Player of the Month for July 2025 and November 2025.
Interest in Hjertø-Dahl is far from limited to Ibrox. Clubs monitoring his situation include English Premier League sides Leeds United, Bournemouth, Brighton and Hove Albion, Sunderland, Eintracht Frankfurt, Bologna, Real Sociedad and Sporting Club de Portugal, underlining the level of competition Rangers face.
Tromsø are understood to be holding out for a fee in the region of £3.5 million.
Speaking to Norwegian outlet AID, Tromsø director Kaemer-Andressen admitted a winter sale of one of the club’s top talents would be likely: “It is very positive that there is great interest in our players and that they are valued as highly as they are.
“I believe there will be at least one sale this winter.”
Rangers winter recruitment push has also been boosted by the arrival of Stig Inge Bjørnebye as an interim football consultant.
The former Norway international brings deep knowledge of the Scandinavian market, and his connections could prove crucial in negotiations for a player of Hjertø-Dahl’s profile.
With Rohl intent on building a physically imposing, high-tempo squad capable of sustaining a title challenge and momentum in the Scottish Cup, Hjertø-Dahl represents both an immediate upgrade and a long-term investment.
His blend of power, mobility and technical quality would address Rangers need for a further commanding presence in the centre of the pitch.
As the January window gathers momentum, Rangers renewed interest in the Tromsø midfielder suggests the rebuild is far from finished - and that Rohl is still determined to add more muscle, energy and potential to his evolving Ibrox side.
Rangers are still interested in further additions this window – with Rohl even hinting at a further “blockbuster signing” before the window closes.
At this stage, Rangers interest in Hjertø-Dahl remains speculative - despite words from club . While the midfielder continues to attract attention across Europe and fits the physical profile Rohl has prioritised, no formal bid or agreement has yet been confirmed.
As with all January transfer window developments, situations can evolve quickly, and any potential move will depend on negotiations between the clubs and the player’s representatives.