Bigger Than Raskin & Ferguson Combined? Rangers on the Verge of £9m Masterstroke
By Grok Sports Desk | Published: June 28, 2026
Rangers fans, buckle up. Amid swirling rumours of a potential reunion with Lewis Ferguson and speculation over Nicolas Raskin’s future, the Light Blues could be on the cusp of landing one of the most exciting young midfield talents in European football.
Jens Hjerto-Dahl, the 20-year-old Tromsø sensation valued at around £9 million, has been repeatedly linked with a move to Ibrox — and new manager Derek McInnes is reportedly still very keen.
Why Hjerto-Dahl Could Be the Defining Signing of the Summer
While experienced campaigners like Ferguson and reliable performers like Raskin offer short-term stability, Hjerto-Dahl represents something far more exciting: a genuine long-term superstar in the making. At just 20 years old, the towering Norwegian midfielder is already producing numbers that suggest he could outshine both players in the near future.
Key Claim: Multiple reports, including detailed analysis from Football FanCast, suggest Hjerto-Dahl could prove to be a bigger talent than both Raskin and Ferguson combined. His blend of physicality, technical ability, and goal threat makes him the ideal modern No.8 for Rangers’ ambitions under McInnes.
The Numbers Don’t Lie: Hjerto-Dahl vs Raskin & Ferguson
Let’s break down exactly why this £9m-rated star stands out:
| Metric (2026 Season) | Hjerto-Dahl (Tromsø) | Ferguson (Bologna) | Raskin (Rangers) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appearances | 12 | 22 | – |
| Goals | 5 | 1 | – |
| Assists | 2 | 0 | – |
| Ball Recoveries (per game) | 5.1 | 2.3 | 4.5 |
| Successful Dribbles (per game) | 1.3 | 0.1 | 0.8 |
In Norway’s top flight this season, Hjerto-Dahl has been nothing short of sensational. Deployed primarily as a box-to-box midfielder, he’s contributing heavily in the final third while maintaining an elite defensive work rate. His 5 goals and 2 assists in just 12 appearances highlight a goal-scoring threat that neither Ferguson nor Raskin have matched consistently in recent campaigns.
For context, Ferguson — despite solid World Cup performances for Scotland — managed only one goal and zero assists in 22 Serie A appearances last term. Raskin, while energetic, also trails in several key progressive metrics. Hjerto-Dahl’s physical profile (standing at around 6’4”) combined with his elegance on the ball gives him a unique ceiling.
Background: The Tromsø Phenomenon
Jens Hjerto-Dahl has come through the ranks at his boyhood club Tromsø IL, where he has already made close to 100 senior appearances despite his young age. Scouts from across Europe have been monitoring him for some time, with previous interest reported from clubs like Sheffield United, Sunderland, Besiktas, and even Serie A sides.
In January 2026, Hjerto-Dahl turned down a lucrative move to Turkish giants Besiktas, opting instead to stay and continue his development in Scandinavia. He recently signed a new contract keeping him at Tromsø until 2029, but that hasn’t deterred Rangers’ interest. The Daily Record and other outlets confirm he remains a key target for the Ibrox hierarchy.
His performances have earned him rave reviews. Rangers Journal described him as “one of the biggest talents in Norway,” while sources close to the player highlight his composure, vision, and leadership qualities — attributes he idolises in players like Paul Pogba, Sergio Busquets, and Ivan Rakitić.
How Hjerto-Dahl Fits Derek McInnes’ Rangers Vision
Derek McInnes’ appointment signals a return to pragmatic, hard-working Scottish football values mixed with quality. Bringing in proven performers like Lawrence Shankland and Ross McCrorie makes sense for immediate impact. However, to truly challenge at the top of the Scottish Premiership and make noise in Europe, Rangers need players with resale value and long-term upside.
Hjerto-Dahl perfectly bridges that gap. He offers:
- Physical Dominance: Aerial ability and ground duels that will dominate Scottish midfields.
- Technical Quality: Progressive carries and dribbling that break lines.
- Goal Threat: A midfielder who can chip in with 8-12 goals per season.
- Age Profile: Potential to develop into a £30m+ player within 2-3 years.
Compared to a potential Ferguson reunion (which would likely be expensive and offer limited sell-on), investing £9m in Hjerto-Dahl feels like smart business. It aligns with Rangers’ strategy of raiding European markets for undervalued gems, as seen with previous targets like Tuur Rommens.
Potential Challenges and Transfer Reality
Of course, no deal is guaranteed. Hjerto-Dahl’s new long-term contract at Tromsø means the Norwegian club can demand a premium. £9m represents a significant outlay for Rangers, especially after a trophyless season. Competition from other European clubs could also intensify.
However, with McInnes pushing for reinforcements and the club hierarchy keen to show ambition, this move feels increasingly plausible. Sources indicate talks have taken place previously, and the player’s profile fits the new manager’s preferences perfectly.
Should the deal materialise, it would send a strong message: Rangers are not just patching holes with short-term fixes — they’re building for sustained success.
What This Means for Raskin and Ferguson
A move for Hjerto-Dahl doesn’t necessarily rule out other midfield business. A swap deal involving Raskin heading to Bologna for Ferguson has been discussed, but relying solely on experience may not be enough. Hjerto-Dahl offers the perfect blend of youth and proven quality in a competitive league.
Fans on social media are already excited at the prospect. The arrival of such a dynamic young talent could energise the Ibrox crowd and provide McInnes with the tools needed to mount a serious title challenge next season.
Final Verdict: A Must-Do Deal?
In a market where proven Premier League and Championship midfielders command huge fees with limited upside, £9m for a 20-year-old with Hjerto-Dahl’s trajectory looks like exceptional value. He has the potential to become a club legend and a major profit generator in future windows.
Rangers have the platform. With Derek McInnes at the helm and growing optimism around Ibrox, signing Jens Hjerto-Dahl could be the statement that kicks off a new era of success.
Will the board back the manager with this ambitious move? Only time will tell — but the scouting reports and statistics make a compelling case that this is one opportunity Rangers simply cannot afford to miss.
What do you think? Should Rangers prioritise Hjerto-Dahl over other midfield targets? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.