Sverre Nypan has not yet had the impact that was hoped at Middlesbrough
11:00, 22 Dec 2025
Sverre Nypan
Sverre Nypan
Manchester City are likely monitoring Sverre Nypan’s situation at Middlesbrough closely ahead of the January transfer window.
Their prospect is struggling on Teesside right now. Even with an extended run out at Bristol City on Saturday, the Norwegian prospect’s performance encapsulated his overall spell on Teesside so far this season.
There was the odd flash of potential from him in the game. But, in general, having replaced Riley McGree early due to injury, he struggled to fill the gap left by the Aussie star.
The ball just didn’t quite stick in the way it does with McGree. He still looked to be finding the pace of the game and the physicality of the Championship tough. That will be a concern for City, who were hoping his loan at Boro would ready him for English football.
Nypan also suffered the ignominy of being subbed on and then back off again at Ashton Gate. Without context, it doesn’t look great at all.
In the defence of both Nypan and Kim Hellberg, the Manchester City loanee had played 58 minutes plus first half added time when he was withdrawn. Had he started the game and been subbed off after the same amount of time, it wouldn’t even be a talking point.
But what isn’t unfair to discuss is his overall lack of impact for Boro so far this season. He’s a young boy, and that should not be forgotten. But from Boro’s perspective, it was hoped the loan would add a level of quality to their squad they’re yet to see.
As January approaches, Manchester City are almost certain to be considering whether or not things could get better for him at the Riverside. They have a recall clause next month.
He signed for Boro with plenty of fanfare in the summer, on loan from Manchester City just months after they paid £12.5 million to sign him.
While there’s been some flashes of his quality, the recently-turned 19-year-old hasn’t quite had the impact that was hoped on Teesside.
In many respects, his struggles are not too unexpected. And as recent history proves, it would be wise not to completely write him off.
There were hopes that Nypan could have a similar impact at the Riverside as Ben Doak last term. But Doak had tasted English football before his Boro move, and wasn’t also adjusting to life in a new country.
With Nypan’s loan deal including a mid-season termination clause on Manchester City’s end, it will be interesting to see if, given his struggles, there are any considerations on their end to recall the midfielder and send him elsewhere. Preston North End have recently been mooted as a potential suitor.
Boro will certainly persevere with the youngster, and retain belief that there is a sublimely talented player there. Hellberg insists, with a little confidence boost, he can still make a big impact.
But, right now, he looks like he’s struggling. If McGree’s injury proves serious enough to keep him out of a couple of games or more, there could be a spot opening for him. But he’ll have to be so much better than he showed at Bristol City.
Personally, I’d like to see what he can do in the centre of midfield. It feels a little more suited to his style than the ten role he’s mainly played at Boro. It’s where he tends to play more when away with Norway’s U21s.
The trouble with that is, Boro have Alex Gilbert and Hayden Hackney in fine form, Alan Browne never letting them down when called upon, while both Aidan Morris and Abdoulaye Kante are still to return from injury.
Nypan’s prospects can change quickly, of course. Alex Bangura and Gilbert have recently proven Hellberg’s willingness to hand opportunities when they’re earned. But will City be satisfied in waiting for that moment?
They had numerous offers across Europe in the summer. They chose Boro because of a good relationship between the two clubs, Boro’s recent record in developing young players, and because of their desire for him to experience English football.
Boro will value that reputation and will therefore continue doing everything within their power to help Nypan as much as possible.
But whether he remains at Boro for the rest of the season will ultimately be in the hands of bosses at City. Their decision likely rests on whether they want Nypan playing regularly, or whether they value the benefit of him having to fight for his place - something that will certainly be required of him at the Etihad.
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