Erling Haaland issues personal welcome to Manchester City’s newest signing | OneFootball

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has issued a personal welcome on his Instagram account to the club’s newest recruit and fellow countryman, Sverre Nypan.

The arrival of Nypan marks the latest move in City’s continued push to invest in the future of their midfield, with the 18-year-old Norwegian considered one of the most exciting talents to emerge from Scandinavia in recent years.

Having been tracked by multiple top clubs across Europe throughout this year, it was Manchester City who ultimately acted most decisively to secure his signature in a deal that reflects both long-term belief in the player and immediate planning.

City’s strategy for developing young players has often included early first-team exposure, followed by carefully selected loan moves. Nypan’s signing fits into that mould, offering Pep Guardiola and his staff another technically gifted option to nurture through in the short term, with the longer-term aim of integrating him more permanently into the senior squad.

The player is expected to report for pre-season training with the first team on Monday 28 July, and his potential involvement in the club’s friendly against Palermo in Sicily on Saturday 9 August could offer fans a first glimpse at his qualities in a Manchester City shirt.

Issuing a personal welcome to 18-year-old Norwegian midfielder Sverre Nypan to Manchester City on Thursday evening, Erling Haaland wrote on Instagram to his fellow countryman, “Welcome Sverre!”

The message from Haaland — Norway’s most high-profile football figure and a key face of the Manchester City project — will no doubt be a significant moment for the young midfielder.

It not only underscores the pride within Norwegian football circles but also hints at the camaraderie Sverre Nypan can expect within a senior squad that thrives on culture and mentorship.

Nypan arrives at the Etihad following a £12.5 million transfer from Rosenborg, a fee that is understood to include no add-ons or future sell-on clauses, signing a five-year contract running until the summer of 2030, and committing his development to City’s long-term plan.

According to reports, a loan deal is expected for the 2025/26 season, although no destination has yet been agreed. Clubs within the City Football Group — such as Girona — could emerge as frontrunners, depending on the outcome of pre-season assessments. Should no agreement be reached before the end of the summer window, Nypan will remain with City’s senior squad.

With City facing potential long-term midfield evolution due to uncertain futures of players such as Ilkay Gündoğan and Mateo Kovacic, Nypan could quickly rise through the ranks if he impresses in training and in any minutes offered over the coming weeks.