Man City Sign Sverre Nypan: Norway’s Rising Midfield Star

‘One of the Best Upcoming Midfielders’ – Man City Secure Norway’s Sverre Nypan

Manchester City have completed a £12.5m deal to sign Sverre Nypan, the highly rated 18-year-old midfielder from Rosenborg, continuing their long-term recruitment strategy focused on elite youth development.

Nypan, who made his debut aged just 15, has drawn comparisons with fellow Norwegian Martin Ødegaard and is tipped to become one of Europe’s top midfielders. Though expected to go on loan for the 2025–26 season, his signing reflects City’s belief in his immense potential.

A Breakout Star from Norway

Sverre Nypan has already played five times for Norway Under-21s, including against Republic of Ireland in October

Having already played 70 matches for Rosenborg, scoring 14 goals and providing 11 assists, Nypan has twice been named Eliteserien Young Player of the Year (2023 and 2024). He impressed not only in domestic competition but also in European qualifiers, notably against Hearts and Crusaders in the UEFA Conference League.

Nypan is known for:

• Versatility: Can play as a central or attacking midfielder, winger, or even false nine.

• Two-footed ability: Comfortable with both feet, he combines agility with sharp decision-making.

• Composure & intelligence: Already showing game control traits well beyond his years.

The Odegaard & Haaland Parallels

Norway striker Erling Haaland put his country’s flag around his shoulders when celebrating Manchester City’s Champions League win in 2023

Much like Martin Ødegaard and Erling Haaland, Nypan is following the Norwegian pipeline to the European elite. However, while Ødegaard and Haaland took intermediate steps with clubs like Salzburg and Brugge, Nypan is jumping directly to one of the world’s most dominant clubs.

“He’s a bit more box-to-box than Ødegaard,” says Norwegian journalist Andreas Korssund. “He’s definitely going to become one of Europe’s best midfielders.”

Man City’s Long-Term Midfield Plan

Nypan’s signing follows recent arrivals of Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Aït-Nouri, and Rayan Cherki, all in their early 20s. City are building a youthful but technically gifted squad to evolve beyond the Pep Guardiola era.

Though Nypan is unlikely to feature heavily in his first season, he could still be added to City’s Club World Cup squad if they reach the knockout rounds in July. That would make him the third Norwegian at the club, joining Erling Haaland and Oscar Bobb.

What Sets Nypan Apart?

• Debut at 15 and played 28 of 30 league matches last season.

• Scored a hat-trick in Rosenborg’s 4–0 win over Lillestrom.

• Turned down interest from Arsenal, Aston Villa, and Manchester United.

• Likely to be Rosenborg’s record sale, surpassing John Carew’s 2001 move.

Even Hearts’ ex-coach Frankie McAvoy was full of praise after Nypan dazzled them in European qualifiers:

“He was a special player, composed, dangerous in the final third – he has a massive future ahead.”

Conclusion

Manchester City may have just secured the next Scandinavian star in Sverre Nypan. While it may take time for the young midfielder to adapt to Premier League intensity, his skillset, maturity, and accolades at such a young age suggest he’s destined for the top.