Hamburg completes signing of Albin Ekdal from Cagliari on 4-year deal

Albin Ekdal's relationship with Italian football is over.

Hamburger SV announced the signing of the 25-year-old midfielder from Cagliari Calcio on Saturday as he put pen to paper on a four-year deal.

Ekdal notched five goals and one assist through 33 Serie A appearances last season and provided Cagliari with a strong defensive contribution but was ultimately unable to save the club from relegation. His résumé also includes the likes of Juventus, Assicuazuibe Calcio Siena, and Bologna F.C. 1909.

"I'm happy it's gone through, I'm looking forward to playing for Hamburg and in the Bundesliga," Ekdal said. "After leaving Sweden, I played in Italy's Serie A. I'm sure that the game in Germany is quicker and more physical. I'll have to get used to that fast. I'm ready for the new challenge."

He also took to Instagram to express his excitement at joining Hamburg, writing: "Very happy to announce that I'm now officially a player of Hamburger SV !!!"