Queens Park Rangers expressed interest in Hjalmar Ekdal, but he opted for the offer from FC Groningen due to the assurance of playing time. Ekdal, a 26-year-old Swedish international and defender currently contracted with Burnley, received several offers but ultimately decided on FC Groningen, who rank fifteenth in the Eredivisie, over other interested clubs such as Rangers FC, Queens Park Rangers, and Middlesbrough, as well as suitors from Italy. Groningen will take Ekdal on loan until the season's end without an option to buy. His choice was motivated by the guarantee of regular participation in matches, and there is a possibility he could make his debut against sc Heerenveen this weekend. Previously, Ekdal transferred to Burnley from Djurgarden for nearly three million euros and appeared in eight Premier League matches last season before losing favor following Burnley's relegation.