[4] In 2017, he left to club to study in the United States and play college soccer for UNC Wilmington Seahawks.

[5] While in the US, he played in 20 games and scored two goals as the Seahawks reached the final of the 2017 CAA Men's Soccer Tournament before losing 4–2 to William & Mary Tribe.

[6] In May 2018, Ekdal returned to his native country and signed a two-year deal with IK Frej in Superettan, Sweden's second tier.

[15] He earned his debut appearance for the Clarets on 4 February in a 3–0 away win against Norwich City in the EFL Championship, in which he scored his first Burnley goal in the 60th minute.

[17] Ekdal was called up to the Sweden under-19 national team in October 2018,[18] and featured in two friendlies against Denmark (3–1 win) and Russia (1–1 draw) the same month.