Hjalmar Ekdal reveals what he will bring to Burnley after sealing transfer | OneFootball

Burnley defender Hjalmar Ekdal says that the opportunity to work with manager Vincent Kompany was a significant factor in convincing him to join the club.

Ekdal became the second centre-half to arrive at Turf Moor this month following the addition of Ameel Al-Dakhil when he completed his move from Swedish side Djurgårdens IF last week.

The 22-year-old scored seven goals in 50 appearances for his previous club, while he has also played three times for the Swedish national team.

Ekdal has signed a four-year deal with the Clarets and the club have reportedly paid £2.4 million to secure his services according to Lancs Live, underlining the potential they believe he has.

He joins Kompany’s side currently sitting top of the Championship, 18 points clear of third-placed Watford and looking very much on course for an immediate return to the Premier League.

Ekdal admitted that the chance to work with Kompany, who played won multiple titles as a player at Manchester City and is regarded as one of the top flight’s best ever centre-halves, was a huge pull factor.

“I will try to become a leader, I am brave and talk a lot. I want to be seen on the pitch. It feels wonderful to be here, I really can’t wait for this next chapter,” Ekdal told Lancs Live.

“It’s been a long process. We started this conversation in the beginning of December, so we’ve been talking for quite some time and now it’s finally done. I’ve been waiting quite some time for this moment.

“First and foremost, the British football. It’s like the centre of football here in England so that culture was what I firstly wanted to get.

“Second of all, Vincent Kompany and Burnley. What he’s done here is amazing, how the team plays is also something I want to be a part of and it feels really good to be here.

“I will learn every day with him (Kompany) as a coach in every practice, it makes this place the best school I can be in to develop and be a better defender. In my eyes, I couldn’t be at a better place.

“When you’re sitting watching a game, all you want to do is get down on the pitch and play. I want to do that and get to know the boys, I really can’t wait to get started.”

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The verdict

Ekdal is an exciting signing for Burnley.

Considering Kompany’s previous recruitment track record, he will likely prove to be another excellent addition identified by the Belgian and at just 24, he represents a potentially shrewd long-term investment.

It is no surprise to hear Ekdal pinpoint Kompany’s role in the move, the opportunity to work with the Belgian would be appealing for the vast majority of players given the job he is currently doing with the Clarets, but for a centre-half, there can be few better managers to receive guidance from.

With Taylor Harwood-Bellis out injured and Luke McNally’s imminent loan departure to Coventry City, Ekdal and Al-Dakhil’s arrivals could be a timely boost and you would not bet against them slotting in seamlessly.