Sporting director addresses Rangers transfer links on Hampus Skoglund

Hammarby sporting director Mikael Hjelmberg has responded to speculation linking Rangers with a move for defender Hampus Skoglund, insisting no formal contact has been made over the player.

The 22-year-old full-back, who currently plays in Sweden’s top flight with Hammarby, has recently emerged as a reported transfer target for Rangers as the club continues assessing defensive reinforcements ahead of the new season.

With long-term questions surrounding James Tavernier’s future and Dujon Sterling struggling with recurring fitness issues since arriving at Ibrox, Rangers are believed to be exploring options at right-back.

However, Hjelmberg has moved to cool suggestions of an imminent move, revealing that Hammarby have yet to receive any concrete approach from the Scottish Premiership side.

The sporting director stressed that Skoglund remains an important part of the squad and admitted the club’s preference is to keep the defender in place for the upcoming campaign.

Hjelmberg explained that while he remains in regular contact with the player’s representatives, no serious discussions with Rangers — or any other club — have taken place so far this year.

He also suggested previous transfer interest had existed in earlier windows but maintained there has been little substance to speculation surrounding Skoglund recently.

Rangers have already begun reshaping their squad this summer after securing the signing of Lawrence Shankland, while reports continue to link the Ibrox side with additional defensive reinforcements, including Excelsior centre-back Casper Widell.

As the transfer window edges closer, uncertainty remains over whether Rangers will formalise their reported interest in Skoglund or turn their attention elsewhere.