Cardiff manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has today unveiled his third signing of the transfer window, in the form of Norweigan forward Jo Inge Berget.
Having already signed former Molde duo Magnus Wolff Eikrem and Mats Daehli, the recently appointed boss has made the 23-year-old his next transfer, also from Molde FK.
With the Bluebirds currently sitting rock bottom in the English Premier League, Solskjaer felt some drastic squad changes were needed. As Wilfried Zaha prepares to join the former Manchester United Reserves manager on loan, failing to make the expected impact at Old Trafford, Berget was announced in the early hours for an undisclosed fee.
Despite being only 23, Berget has previous playing experience at Lyn, Udinense, Stromsgodset, and former Norweigan club Molde, where he featured over 60 teams and scored 17 goals across three seasons. He has also made an impact on the international scene, regular performances for the Norway Under 21 squad earning him 4 appearances for the national team.
The signing is one to shock fans, with all eyes of Zaha, waiting for confirmation of his move, but one that Ole expects to please fans. “He knows the way I want to play, he’s strong, intelligent, and smart,” said the 40-year-old. “He scored against England in the Under-21 European Championships and will do well for us”.
"So far, I have brought in three full internationals who will be good value for money in the long term. They may not have played in the Premier League but I know them and they are full internationals.
"There have been loads of players I have wanted but the price tags are not realistic. We have one or two bids in, yes."
Berget’s contract was initially expiring come the end of the current season at Molde, but Solskjaer felt it was worth buying the forward, who can also adapt to a role in the midfield, immediately.
Cardiff City will travel to Bolton Wanderers for their FA Cup Fourth Round draw, in which Berget may make his debut.