One of Manchester City’s rising stars, Sverre Nypan rejected Manchester United and Arsenal in the summer of 2024 before sealing his move to the blue side of Manchester.
The revelation adds a new twist to the ongoing rivalry between the two Premier League giants, particularly in the battle for Europe’s best young talents.
City’s recruitment network, known for its precision and long-term planning, appears to have struck gold again. The club’s patient pursuit of Nypan — one of Norway’s brightest young footballers — has paid off handsomely, representing another success in their youth development blueprint.
The 18-year-old midfielder, who had been on the radar of several top European clubs, was regarded as Rosenborg’s standout player before his switch to the Etihad.
Comparisons to Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard have followed Nypan since his early teenage years, with Norwegian media hailing his vision, creativity, and maturity beyond his age.
City’s interest dated back over a year, involving intense competition from top English sides eager to secure his signature. However, the reigning the Sky Blues’ detailed project, structured under their football director Hugo Viana, proved decisive in convincing the youngster.
After completing a £12.5 million transfer from Rosenborg, Nypan was immediately loaned out to Middlesbrough in the Championship — a move designed to accelerate his adaptation to English football.
He made his professional debut in August, marking the beginning of what City see as a carefully planned progression pathway similar to those previously taken by James McAtee and Tommy Doyle.
How City Won the Battle for Nypan
In a recent in-depth piece by MailSport’s Jack Gaughan, it was revealed that Sverre Nypan rejected Manchester United during the same transfer window before declining offers from Celtic, Rangers, and multiple clubs in Spain and Germany.
His decision underlines the growing influence of Manchester City’s recruitment philosophy, which focuses on clear career pathways and mentorship rather than immediate first-team promises.
The report also shed light on an interesting prelude to his transfer — a so-called “tour of Britain” last winter.
Nypan, accompanied by his entourage and agent Rafaela Pimenta, was spotted in Erling Haaland’s private box at the Etihad Stadium watching City’s victory over Chelsea. During that period, the teenager also visited Aston Villa and Arsenal to explore potential career options.
Although City initially appeared to be at risk of missing out, Hugo Viana’s presentation outlining the club’s long-term development plan turned the tide.
Gaughan reported that City’s pathway model, which provides young players with a structured route to senior football, was pivotal in convincing the Norwegian and his camp.
For Nypan, that meant understanding how City integrate promising youngsters through targeted loans, gradual exposure to high-intensity competition, and mentorship within the first-team environment.
Meanwhile, the rejection of Manchester United’s offer has reignited discussions among fans and analysts about the shifting power dynamics in Manchester’s football scene.
United, long considered a traditional magnet for young talent, are now finding it increasingly difficult to lure prospects away from the Etihad’s progressive setup.
City’s recent record of developing emerging stars, such as Phil Foden and Oscar Bobb, continues to serve as a powerful attraction for the next generation.
Nypan’s future prospects under Guardiola
Inside the Etihad hierarchy, there is already growing curiosity about how quickly Nypan can adapt to the rhythm of English football. Club insiders believe he possesses the technical precision and intelligence required to thrive under Pep Guardiola’s demanding system.
Although City have no immediate plans to fast-track him into the senior side, his performances at Middlesbrough could accelerate that timeline.
Nypan’s rise also mirrors that of fellow Norwegian Oscar Bobb, who has become a fan favourite at City.
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Both share similar attributes — technical finesse, quick decision-making, and an instinctive ability to find space in tight areas.
Guardiola is known to value such qualities, particularly in midfielders capable of dictating tempo and creating opportunities under pressure.
At 18, Nypan represents more than just another signing; he embodies City’s long-term vision of sustaining success through strategic recruitment and youth investment.
