Sverre Nypan Explains Why He Rejected Arsenal to Join Manchester City in £12.5m Transfer

Manchester City have officially announced the signing of one of Norway’s brightest young stars — Sverre Nypan — in a deal worth £12.5 million. And for the 18-year-old midfielder, the biggest reason behind his decision to join the Premier League champions came down to one man: Pep Guardiola.

While several Premier League clubs were fighting for Nypan’s signature — including Arsenal — it was City who won the race. According to reports, Arsenal believed they were ahead at one stage, and even hoped that Martin Ødegaard, captain of both Arsenal and Norway’s national team, could help convince his younger countryman to make the move to the Emirates.

But instead, Nypan chose to link up with fellow Norwegians Erling Haaland and Oscar Bobb at the Etihad, signing a five-year contract with the treble winners.

“It’s a dream” – Nypan reveals Pep Guardiola factor

Speaking after his move was confirmed, Nypan didn’t hide his excitement.

“I am incredibly happy and proud to have joined Manchester City,” he said. “It’s a dream for any young footballer to become part of this Club and to join such a group of world-class talent.

“I am still very young with a lot to learn, but the chance to be coached by Pep Guardiola — the best manager in the world — will only help me to become a better player.”

For a player like Nypan, who has already made headlines back in Norway for his performances with Rosenborg, joining a club like City at this stage in his career shows just how highly rated he is across Europe.

The teenager made over 30 first-team appearances for Rosenborg and was already being scouted by top clubs in England, Germany, and Spain. His composure on the ball, eye for a pass, and tactical intelligence have all drawn comparisons to some of the best young midfielders in Europe.

Arsenal left frustrated

Arsenal, who are on the lookout for long-term midfield reinforcements, had made a serious push to sign Nypan. According to sources close to the club, the Gunners hoped Ødegaard’s influence — both as a role model and as captain of the national team — could help sway the decision.

But despite those efforts, Nypan was more tempted by the opportunity to work under Guardiola and be part of City’s project.

What next for Nypan?

Although Nypan has signed for City now, he isn’t expected to join the first team right away. Instead, the club plans to send him out on loan next season to help him gain more experience and continue developing in a competitive environment.

This strategy has worked well for City in the past, especially with young players who need regular game time before stepping up to Guardiola’s demanding system.

Still, Nypan says he’s proud to be part of the Norwegian trio at City:

“There is already a special connection between Norway and Manchester City through Erling Haaland and Oscar Bobb, and I am very proud to have become the latest Norwegian player to have joined the club.”

City’s busy summer continues

Nypan becomes City’s fifth signing of the summer, joining Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Aït-Nouri, Rayan Cherki, and Marcus Bettinelli in what is shaping up to be another smart and ambitious transfer window.

City’s Director of Football, Hugo Viana, praised Nypan’s potential and believes the club has signed a future star.

“Sverre is an exciting young player that the Club has been monitoring for quite some time now,” Viana said. “We feel that he already has numerous standout qualities but that at only 18 years of age, he is only going to continue to improve. We believe he will be an important asset for Manchester City in the years to come, and we will support him every step of the way in his development.”

It’s a major step for Nypan, who now joins one of the most competitive clubs in the world. While his journey at City is only beginning, the confidence shown by the club — and the chance to work under Pep Guardiola — could be the perfect foundation for a promising career ahead.