Middlesbrough would "be stupid" to let 2025 signing depart as January transfer dilemma deliberated | OneFootball

Sverre Nypan could be set for a January recall to Man City, with FLW's Middlesbrough fan pundit reacting to the latest.

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Sverre Nypan joined Middlesbrough from Man City in the summer in what looked an exciting temporary switch on paper, but both Rob Edwards and Kim Hellberg have overlooked the midfielder in favour of other options.

There was plenty of excitement over Nypan's move to Middlesbrough from Man City in the summer, given the 19-year-old's exploits in Norway with Rosenborg BK. However, in his 15 matches in the Championship so far, Nypan has failed to register a goal or an assist for Boro.

He has been an unused substitute on four occasions, left out of the matchday squad once against Oxford United, and started in just three of the 15 games he has featured in - simply put, it hasn't been the developmental half-season he nor Man City would have wanted.

Middlesbrough reaction given to Sverre Nypan's situation - could season-long loan be ended early?

A recall has been mooted, with Teesside Live stating Man City will make a decision next month regarding activating his clause. That said, it's not altogether surprising he has struggled to adapt to a new league and country after making the move as a teenager.

However, the decision is looming and we asked FLW's Middlesbrough fan pundit Liam Daly for his thoughts on the situation and whether he should be sent back to Man City in January after plenty of fanfare over the signing initially.

Liam told FLW: "I think it would be incredibly harsh to rule him out currently, you know? There's a player in there. There's a reason Man City bought him and he's got a lot of hype around him for what he did in Norway.

"I think, physically, he's not up to the standard of the Championship. But that's what loans are for — to develop and get used to the league.

"On the ball, he's done things that impress you. Like at Preston away, when he skipped past defenders and he looked impressive there. But since then, he's not done much.

"I was very, very disappointed with his cameo at Bristol City. His balls just kept going to their players and he almost tried to do too much. It was quite a frustrating watch.

"I think he'll stay. I do think we'd be stupid to send him back, unless he got another offer from a Championship club that guaranteed him game-time. But I think he should stay.

"There's definitely potential there. I think it is incredibly harsh to rule him out currently."

Sverre Nypan hasn't nailed down a spot under Kim Hellberg at Middlesbrough

Nypan has been utilised as a striker, winger, number eight, or number 10 in his career so far. However, he is most commonly an advanced eight or out-and-out playmaker behind a striker.

Currently, Riley McGree, Tommy Conway, Alan Browne, and more have been deployed there over Nypan for Middlesbrough. Hellberg may not always play with an attacking midfielder, either, which could limit the teen's game-time considerably.

While he learns more about his squad, Hellberg will continue to tinker around and that's seen 4-4-2 and 4-2-2-2 shapes used, as well as other back-three-based formations. It isn't helping a player who needs stability and rhythm find any and build any sort of momentum.

Should another potential loan deal come on the table for Nypan which would offer him a greater amount of minutes in the second half of the season, then Man City may take it upon themselves to take the Scandinavian playmaker away from Teesside - and you wouldn't blame them as they have to look after their best interests.