Villa have missed out on a transfer to Premier League rivals Manchester City
08:47, 18 Jul 2025Updated 08:59, 18 Jul 2025
Man City’s new sporting director Hugo Viana(Image: UEFA via Getty Images)
Manchester City’s director of football Hugo Viana has revealed exactly why they signed Sverre Nypan, beating Aston Villa to the Norwegian.
The Villans were said to be close to finalising a deal to sign the 18-year-old midfielder in April.
Villa’s transfer chief Monchi watched him in action for Rosenborg and is understood to have met Nypan’s father.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claimed a deal to seal the player’s transfer to Villa Park was close.
But he has joined rivals City on a five-year deal from Norwegian side Rosenborg.
“Sverre is an exciting young player that the Club has been monitoring for quite some time now,” said Viana.
“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.”
Nypan said: “I am incredibly happy and proud to have joined Manchester City.
“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.
“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.”
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