Cardiff City have tabled a £5m+ bid for Norwegian midfielder Jens Hjerto-Dahl as the Bluebirds chase a Championship return this summer.

The 20-year-old is one of Norway’s brightest prospects and Cardiff are now locked in a four-way tussle with Rangers, Besiktas and German clubs for his signature. Tromso IL’s latest report claims the Bluebirds’ latest offer dwarfed the £5.3m reportedly on the table from Rangers, though SunSport insists no formal bid has arrived from the Gers.

What’s the latest on Hjerto-Dahl’s transfer race?

Hjerto-Dahl, 20, has three years left on his Tromso deal after signing an extension in February. The midfielder already has 28 youth caps for Norway and has racked up over 100 appearances for his hometown club. At 6ft 4in, he’s a physical box-to-box presence who’s already bagged six goals and two assists in Eliteserien this season.

Cardiff’s scouting network has again zeroed in on Scandinavia, mirroring last summer’s move for Nathan Trott from FC Copenhagen. The Bluebirds sit second in League One with 91 points from 46 games and a +40 goal difference, fresh off a recent run of LWWWD form.

Why does Hjerto-Dahl fit Cardiff’s Championship push?

His Championship-ready profile ticks multiple boxes: ball-carrying, composure and physicality. With 90 goals scored and just 50 conceded this season, Cardiff’s attack needs bite and his box-to-box engine could add steel to Brian Barry-Murphy’s young side.

The Norwegian’s link-up play and late runs into the box have already made him a standout in Norway’s top flight. Whether Cardiff will top their £5m+ bid remains unclear, but the Championship’s intensity demands players who can step up instantly.

What happens next for Cardiff and Hjerto-Dahl?

Tromso’s hierarchy must now weigh up Cardiff’s latest offer against interest from Rangers and Besiktas. The Bluebirds’ next move could hinge on whether the Norwegian’s valuation aligns with their Championship ambitions.

Cardiff’s season resumes at home to Millwall on Boxing Day 2026, a fixture that looms large as the club eyes life back in the second tier.