When Norwegian talents or already established elite league stars are brought in by European big clubs, this has been a big applause here at home. Imagine, Norwegian players out in the big world, in the biggest leagues! That was before. Now the Norwegian national team once again has a generation – with Ståle Solbakken at the helm – that can sink “any” opponent. Then it’s more about development opportunities and playing time, than the club name on the tracksuit and how many sports cars the player has in the garage. There are therefore some who are a little worried on behalf of Rosenborg’s former mega talent, who drew to one of the world’s biggest clubs last summer.
At the end of the transfer window, Sverre Nypan was called back to Manchester City after a loan spell at Middlesbrough. During the first part of the season, the super talent was on the pitch for 21 games, but unfortunately only three from the start. There was a lot of fuss when the Rosenborg player signed with one of the world’s best clubs in 2025, but then there was the matter of playing time, then. When we hear Pep Guardiola, who is really chasing trophies this season after last season’s drought, explain why young Nypan didn’t get an opportunity in the FA Cup, it doesn’t bode particularly well for the latter part of the season.
On Saturday, League Two club Salford City travelled to the Etihad for the fourth round of the FA Cup, a real opportunity for Nypan. Many thought. The Norwegian 19-year-old was kept out of this game – too. City won 2-0.
After the game, Guardiola was asked why Nypan has not yet been given playing time since his return – despite Guardiola announcing replacements in a packed fixture schedule.
“I’ll think about it. I don’t want to “disconnect” the team. I’ve learned over time that when you play these types of competitions – the Premier League or the Carabao Cup – and you make too many changes or pretend that ‘Oh, this tournament isn’t important’ or think that way against League Two teams, I don’t care. I want everyone to be focused, focused and focused,” Guardiola replied.
Sounds reasonable, but for Sverre Nypan it sounds like the prospect of months of “watch-and-learn” football, not playing.
