Burnley’s Hjalmar Ekdal spent the second half of this season on loan at FC Groningen.
The centre-back was limited to one game for Burnley this season since an injury forced him to spend 184 days on the sidelines. His situation improved at Groningen as he played 1,241 minutes from 12 games.
As things stand, the 26-year-old will return to Burnley, who secured direct promotion to the Premier League.
According to RTV Noord, the Dutch club hope to keep the defender for next season.
At the weekend, he played the full 90 minutes in their 2-0 defeat to PEC Zwolle. After the match, the Burnley owned player had a chat with RTV Noord, and they asked him about his future.
The Sweden international has left the door open to returning to the Eredivisie club and will make the final decision after evaluating all options.
“There is always a chance of course. We are talking about it now and have to see what will happen. But there are several factors like my club in England,” he said.
“It’s not unrealistic, but of course there will be other options. I want to wait and see. I want to consider all the options.”
The defender’s contract at Turf Moor lasts until 2027 and Groningen would find it difficult to match his currently salary. He insists money won’t be an important factor when deciding his future.
“Yes of course [salaries in the Premier League are higher], that’s no secret, but I’m not playing for money now. We have to see and wait and see. The Premier League is the biggest and best league in the world,” Ekdal explained.
“I’ve played there before and even if you don’t play there, as a bench player you get to see the most beautiful stadiums.”
