Aston Villa are reportedly closing in on Rosenborg wonderkid and long-term Manchester United target Sverre Nypan.
United’s interest in Nypan can be traced as far back as 2023, when it was mentioned that they had spent a considerable chunk of the year scouting him. It was then subsequently claimed that the Red Devils were leading the race to sign Nypan, who is also believed to have admirers at multiple other clubs in Europe including Manchester City, Arsenal, Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund.
In January, Nypan jetted to England, prompting speculation that the visit was intended to aid in selecting his next club. However, he ultimately remained at Rosenborg beyond the conclusion of the winter transfer window.
Interest in the 18-year-old is beginning to mount ahead of the summer, and according to journalist Ole Sagbakken, Unai Emery’s Villa have emerged as the leading contenders to secure the midfielder’s services.
Siste: Går mot Aston Villa for Nypan https://t.co/XIxeEORdEF
— Ole K. Sagbakken (@Ole_Saga) April 14, 2025
This information has been corroborated by Fabrizio Romano who wrote on X, “Aston Villa are advancing in talks to sign 18-year-old Norwegian wonderkid Sverre Nypan.”
“Negotiations underway on both club and player side as Ole Sagbakken reported, as Villa presented their project weeks ago.”
“Talks ongoing to win the race over Man City/Girona and Arsenal.”
🚨🟣🔵 Aston Villa are advancing in talks to sign 18 year old Norwegian wonderkid Sverre Nypan.
Negotiations underway on both club and player side as @Ole_Saga reported, as Villa presented their project weeks ago.
Talks ongoing to win the race over Man City/Girona and Arsenal. pic.twitter.com/jxqAtcwPDy
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 14, 2025
David Ornstein of The Athletic adds that “there is optimism at Villa Park” that Nypan wants to join them, although an agreement over personal terms still needs to be struck. Villa must also agree a fee with Rosenborg.
A deal is yet to be finalised, potentially leaving the door open for United should they decide to make a late swoop for the teenager, who has previously admitted to being a fan.
Nypan made history in 2022 by becoming Rosenborg’s youngest-ever player, debuting at just 15 years and 322 days old. A native of Trondheim, he began his football journey with local academy side Nardo before making the switch to Rosenborg that same year.
He has often drawn comparisons to Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard but Nypan is arguably more all-rounded. In addition to playing as a 10, the youngster can also be deployed to great effect as a No 8.
Meanwhile, United are back in action on Thursday when they host Lyon in the return leg of their Europa League quarter-final tie.
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
