Man Utd Scout Norwegian Wonderkid Helland as Potential Successor to Harry Maguire
Manchester United are reportedly tracking 20-year-old Norwegian centre-back Eivind Helland, who currently plays for Brann in his home country.

Man Utd Scout Norwegian Wonderkid Helland as Potential Successor to Harry Maguire

United enter the race alongside Bayern Munich for centre-back compared to Ballon d’Or winner Rodri

Manchester United’s transfer focus may have revolved largely around attacking reinforcements this summer, but the club is now shifting its gaze toward long-term defensive planning. And with Harry Maguire entering the final year of his contract, the Red Devils appear to be searching for the next pillar of their backline. One name that has emerged on United’s radar is Jonas Grønner Helland, a highly-rated Norwegian centre-back already drawing comparisons with some of Europe’s finest midfield generals.

According to The Sun, United recently sent scouts to watch Helland in action, and despite the youngster receiving a red card during that particular match, the interest from Old Trafford hasn’t waned. Bayern Munich were also represented in the stands, underscoring the growing continental competition for the 21-year-old’s signature. Borussia Dortmund and Red Bull Salzburg are reportedly monitoring his progress as well.

So, who is Jonas Helland—and why is he attracting such attention?

Helland: Norway’s next great defensive hope?

Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester United - UEFA Europa League Final 2025 Helland

Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester United – UEFA Europa League Final 2025 Helland

Standing at 6’5” and already captaining Norway’s Under-21s, Helland has all the physical attributes required of a modern central defender. But it’s his composure and intelligence on the ball that truly set him apart. Comfortable carrying possession out from the back and capable of pinging accurate, long-range passes to switch the play, Helland has drawn comparisons to none other than Ballon d’Or winner Rodri—though, stylistically, he plays in a deeper, more defensive role.

His club coach at Brann, Freyr Alexandersson, offered lofty praise at the start of the Norwegian season: “He has the potential to be the best centre-back Norway has ever produced.” Those are big words, particularly for a country that’s seen recent defensive talents emerge, but Helland’s early showings suggest the hype may be justified.

His performances in the Norwegian Eliteserien and for Norway’s youth teams have been closely followed by scouts from across Europe. In fact, in a recent U21 international against Wales, Helland captained the side to a dominant 4-0 win, further reinforcing the idea that he is not just a prospect—but a leader in the making.

United’s long-term plan: thinking beyond Maguire

Harry Maguire’s future at Manchester United remains uncertain. While the England international has shown flashes of form, particularly in the 2023/24 campaign, he’s no longer a guaranteed starter. With just one year remaining on his contract, the clock is ticking on his Old Trafford tenure.

United’s recruitment team, now operating under the influence of technical director Jason Wilcox and new sporting CEO Dan Ashworth, are reportedly placing greater emphasis on sustainable squad building. That includes scouting young, high-upside players who can develop into first-team regulars—Helland fits that bill perfectly.

If signed, the Norwegian would not be expected to walk straight into the starting XI, especially with Lisandro Martínez, Raphael Varane, and even Victor Lindelöf still in the mix. But he could offer depth in the short term and potentially blossom into a key figure in the years to come.

Competition heating up: Bayern, Dortmund also in the mix

Ruben Amorim Man Utd

Ruben Amorim Man Utd

United aren’t alone in this pursuit. Bayern Munich are known to have scouted Helland closely—ironically, during a match where he was sent off in a frustrating outing against KFUM. That red card hasn’t appeared to deter them. Bayern, who are themselves in the process of refreshing their defensive options, have shown a willingness to take calculated risks on young talent. The fact they’re in the frame for Helland is a clear indicator of how highly rated he is within elite European scouting circles.

Borussia Dortmund and Red Bull Salzburg, both famed for their ability to identify and nurture young players, are also lurking. For United, this means they may need to act swiftly if they want to beat the competition—and potentially secure a player who could anchor their defence for the next decade.

A modern defender with a playmaker’s brain

The comparison to Rodri might seem unusual at first—after all, Rodri is a holding midfielder, not a centre-back. But it speaks to the kind of attributes Helland possesses. Much like Rodri, Helland dictates tempo, reads the game with maturity beyond his years, and rarely loses his cool under pressure. His long-range passing ability allows him to start attacks from deep, a key component in how modern top clubs build their offensive play.

In that sense, Helland is more than just a towering presence at the back. He’s a play-starter, a metronome, and an organiser. In an era where defenders are expected to do far more than just tackle and head the ball, players like Helland are becoming invaluable.

United’s transfer window priorities

Of course, United have other areas of the squad to address. After focusing heavily on forward reinforcements—bringing in the likes of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo—the club is still on the hunt for a true No.9. Links to Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko continue to make the rounds. A midfield addition is also on the wishlist, with Valencia’s Javi Guerra reportedly admired by the recruitment team.

But defensive succession planning cannot be put off much longer. With Varane’s injury record, Maguire’s contract situation, and Lindelöf’s patchy form, United need to think ahead. Whether they land Helland or another emerging talent, the message is clear: the future of United’s backline is now a top priority.

What’s next for Helland?

For now, Helland remains at Brann, where he’s likely to see out the current campaign. But interest is mounting, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if a deal is struck before the summer window closes—either as a signing for immediate integration or a “buy-and-loan-back” arrangement.

He’s young, raw, and still learning. But all signs point to a player with the technical, mental, and physical makeup to thrive at the very highest level. And if Manchester United can get in ahead of the pack, they may just secure a gem who could become a cornerstone of their defence for years to come.

One thing’s for sure—Jonas Helland won’t be a secret for much longer.

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