Transfer Rumor: Orlando City Interested in Norwegian Forward Jo Inge Berget

The Mountain could be heading to Orlando. No, not that Mountain, Game of Thrones fans. The Norwegian Mountain, Jo Inge Berget is reportedly leaving Swedish club Malmo FF when his contract is up at the end of this calendar year. According to Swedish newspaper Expressen, Orlando City is pursuing the 27-year-old forward and the two sides are currently in contract negotiations.

Should Berget join the Lions, he would bring invaluable experience with him. At 27, the forward has 19 caps with the Norwegian National Team and found the net twice for his country. He has won two championships in the Swedish league, two in the Norwegian league, and two Norwegian cups. The Hadeland, Norway native also brings with him experience in the top competitions in the world. Berget has played in the Europa League, UEFA Champions League, English Premier League, and the FA Cup.

He started his career in Norway with FK Lyn. Berget struggled to hold down a first-team spot and went on loan Udinese’s U-19 team, Stromsgset, and Molde FK. He then went to Cardiff City, but, after only making two appearances for the English side, he was released from his contract. Berget eventually landed in Malmo FF, where he went on to score 36 goals and add 20 assists in 102 appearances in all competitions for the Swedish side over a span of three years per transfermarkt.

With Malmo, Berget was often being played as a wingback. As a natural forward, he was upset with this and said he will not sign another contract if he will continue to be played in a defensive position.

“I will not sign three new years to be a wingback. I think that most people understand,” said Berget. “I play to do the best I can do. It is up to Magnus (Pehrsson) to take out the best team so I will not stand and rub too much on it, but it is as I have said for three years. I'd rather play attack. It feels like I've delivered there too, but I'm often moved to the wing.”

While traveling from Sweden to the U.S. will undoubtedly require some acclimating, Berget’s time adjusting will be made easier by a familiar face. The Mountain played with Yoshimar Yotun in Malmo for two seasons. Berget joined the Swedish side in January 2015, just eight days prior to Yoshi.

At 6-foot-1, 171 lbs. it is no wonder how Berget got the nickname The Mountain. His towering figure is a key factor in the best part of his game. Berget loves to make his way into the box and get his head on the end of crosses. With players like Yoshi and Scott Sutter — both excellent at providing service into the area — Berget could be an important figure to have up top, especially without Kaká and possibly Cyle Larin, who could be sold this off-season.

Berget has the versatility to play in the midfield, as well as up top. With Dom Dwyer likely to start the majority of games at forward, this will give Jason Kreis some flexibility in switching up the lineup or play both up top in his 4-4-2.

So, how likely is this rumor? It seems feasible. Orlando City could be looking for a replacement for Larin who can play alongside Dwyer. The big question will be his price tag. Transfermarkt, which can be a bit iffy at times in regard to player value, puts his current worth at 1.4 million euros.

Here’s a look at Berget for those unfamiliar with him: