Burnley have completed the signing of Swedish defender Hjalmar Ekdal from Djurgarden IF.

The 24-year-old arrives at Turf Moor for an undisclosed fee and has put pen to paper over a four-and-a-half-year deal.

He becomes the Clarets’ second signing of the January transfer window after Belgium Under-21 defender Ameen Al-Dakhil joined from Sint-Truiden.

Ekdal began his career in Sweden and also had a stint playing college soccer in the United States with UNC Wilmington Seahawks.

The defender has also had spells with IK Frej, Hammarby IF and IK Sirius as well as representing his country between Under-19 and Under-21 level.

"Burnley and Kompany have done amazing things so far this season, it's something I really wanted to be a part of,” he told the club’s website.

"It feels really good, I can't wait to meet the team now and play in front of the amazing crowd at Turf Moor.

Vincent Kompany’s side are currently five points clear at the top of the Championship table following last night’s 2-1 victory against West Brom.

The Baggies took an early lead through Darnell Furlong but Burnley hit back through Nathan Tella and a stunning free-kick from Scott Twine.

The Clarets are back in action next weekend when they make the long trip to Portman Road to take on Ipswich in the FA Cup fourth round.


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