Inside the special transfer relationship between Championship giants and Manchester City | OneFootball

Middlesbrough have explained their growth in transfer relations between themselves and Premier League giants Manchester City over recent seasons.

Throughout recent history, clubs in top-flights of European football have sent youth talents either abroad or to a lower step in the domestic pyramid to nurture their talents and give academy players the minutes that are essential to their growth.

One of the many loanees to leave Manchester City temporarily recently has been Norwegian youngster Sverre Nypan, who signed at the Etihad Stadium from boyhood club Rosenborg in the summer before being sent on loan to the North-East to gain much-needed experience in English football.

In his early days with Middlesbrough, Nypan admitted he could “hardly think” during his first training session, such was the speed and intensity of English football. However, the 18-year-old now says he “feels like he’s making progress every day”.

Crucially, the midfielder believes there is even more to come as part of a promising and exciting project at Middlesbrough, with the teenager already an integral figure in Rob Edwards’ side as they fight to take the step up from the EFL Championship to the Premier League.

“They trusted us,” explained Middlesbrough’s Head of Football, Kieran Scott whilst speaking in a recent interview with BBC Tees, as relayed by the Northern Echo.

Middlesbrough also signed Morgan Rogers from City, who saw a rapid and impressive progression at the Riverside. Since then, the Blues have closely watched and noted from afar how Boro’ have intelligently and meticulously managed development of youth players.

Middlesbrough’s Chief Executive Neil Bausor also has a close relationship with City Football Group’s Managing Director of Global Football, Brian Marwood while Boro’s Chief Scout, Ian Breckin also has camaraderie with contacts at the Etihad Stadium.

“It’s a compliment to us that they feel we can take players like that,” continued Scott. “We’ve obviously had success with Morgan. It’s a little relationship that’s building well. We actually stopped scouting Sverre because it got to the point where we just thought he was beyond us.”

He continued, “So we were delighted when he went to City. Neil has a really good relationship with Brian Marwood, so I said, ‘Just try a little message; see what you get back.’ And it was a positive message back.

“Their loan manager had spoken to Ian Breckin as well and said we’d be a good loan. They seemed to identify us as much as we identified the player, so it was good. My understanding is we were the choice. If I’m wrong, I apologise, but my understanding is they identified us.

“I think we have such a good track record with the loans over the years, and we’ve shown we will play good players even if they are young. Ben Doak, for example. It’s good that City see us as that, and hopefully we can keep doing that.”

With regards to Manchester City’s Norwegian loanee, his positive start to life on Teeside resulted in a first senior national team call-up during the last international break. Nypan reflected on going on loan to the Championship in an interview with the Norwegian press.

“I feel I have already taken some steps up in terms of fitness and have more steps to take,” he said. “Demands are set, and that’s actually nice. It’s very educational and something I needed. I’m learning a lot from it. It was something I needed and part of the reason why I went there.

“The Championship is probably also a bit underestimated with the physicality that is in that league. There are not many other leagues that are as tough to play in. You can see that by how many matches there are and how many average metres you have to cover.”

Middlesbrough’s Kieran Scott knew Sverre Nypan’s young age would not be a hindrance to the 18-year-old’s ability to perform in the Championship, “There were a few moments in his first performance that really stood out to me.

“His willingness to track and make tackles and win the ball back was brilliant. He was making blocks in the 18-yard box and chest-pumping Callum Brittain. It was brilliant. He’s a bright player. Man City don’t sign bad players.

“They’ve obviously seen something major in him to invest that kind of money, and they trusted us. Hopefully we can send Sverre back there, and he’ll be playing for them next season.”

Sverre Nypan has certainly made a brilliant start to life in the North-East of England and in English football as a whole, getting the minutes he needs to develop within the game before hopefully attracting the eye of those at Manchester City over a future first-team place.

It also remains to be seen whether this ongoing relationship with Middlesbrough could benefit current and future Manchester City youngsters who go out on loan.