Why Jens Hjerto-Dahl may have to change shirt number if Rangers deal is struck

Rangers' attempt to sign Jens Hjerto-Dahl has reached a critical stage.

Ibrox News previously reported how Tromso want £7million from Rangers for Hjerto-Dahl.

This comes after Cardiff City had a bid rejected for the midfielder, with that proving to be a spanner in the works for the Gers.

It is not yet known whether Derek McInnes' side will return with a fresh bid or call it quits.

The 20-year-old is there for the taking, though, if Rangers are willing to match Tromso's demands.

But should Hjerto-Dahl make the move to Glasgow, he will likely have to find a new shirt number.

What shirt number does Jens Hjerto-Dahl wear?

Hjerto-Dahl may only be 20 - he turns 21 in October - yet he has already played across four seasons for Tromso.

He has made exactly 100 appearances for the Norwegian club in that time.

As per Transfermarkt, Hjerto-Dahl has worn the number six shirt in each of those seasons.

That is also the case for Norway Under-21s.

That is the number typically associated with a player in that central midfield position, so it makes total sense.

However, Dan Neil recently took the No.6 shirt when joining as a free agent following the expiry of his Sunderland contract.

Which shirt numbers are left available at Rangers?

Numbers one through to 11 are currently occupied at Rangers.

The number 12 shirt is effectively retired, meanwhile, as a gesture from Rangers to thank the fans who supported them through the barren years.

The first number therefore available to Hjerto-Dahl is 13, which was unlucky for Derek Cornelius when he wore it last season.

Cornelius fell out with Danny Rohl and barely featured for the Gers prior to returning to parent club Marseille.

Number 15 may therefore appeal more to Hjerto-Dahl; last worn by Jose Cifuentes in 2023-24.

There is one other alternative, as Hjerto-Dahl started his career with the number 27 shirt in the youth ranks.

That number has not been seen at Ibrox since Leon Balogun left, so Hjerto-Dahl can always take that if he does indeed arrive.