Manchester City eye late recall for midfielder on loan – Stay in Pep Guardiola’s squad considered | OneFootball

A late recall for Sverre Nypan from his loan at Championship side Middlesbrough is being considered by Manchester City, according to new reports.

Nypan arrived at the Etihad Stadium last summer following a £12.5 million agreement with Rosenborg, committing his future to the club until 2030 after rejecting interest from the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal, and Aston Villa in England alone.

Manchester City’s plan was for the Norwegian to gain physicality and rhythm in English football through a season-long loan at Middlesbrough – a development pathway that has previously worked well for emerging talents within the club’s system.

However, despite early promise, Nypan’s role on Teesside has gradually diminished, prompting internal discussions at the Etihad Stadium over the future of the player heading into the second-half of the campaign.

City remain confident in the midfielder’s technical quality, intelligence, and mentality – attributes that previously convinced director of football Hugo Viana to push through the deal despite late competition from Aston Villa.

And now, according to the information of the Manchester Evening News’ Simon Bajkowski, Manchester City are looking at bringing Sverre Nypan back into Pep Guardiola’s squad for the second half of the season.

The report highlights that Nypan has not started any of the last 18 matches for the north-east club, although City have been happy with his attitude, despite the plan to acclimatise the Norwegian midfielder with English football having not worked.

It is stated that another loan could be an option, with Nypan ineligible to play for Manchester City in the Champions League or Premier League due to homegrown quotas.

While a recall would not automatically result in competitive minutes under Pep Guardiola, it could allow Manchester City to reassess Nypan’s progress in a controlled environment alongside first-team players.

Similar mid-season evaluations have been carried out in the past, particularly when loan situations fail to deliver the expected developmental outcomes.

Another temporary move remains firmly on the table, with Manchester City weighing up whether a different Championship side or a European league may offer a clearer tactical fit and guaranteed playing time.

The likes of Jahmai Simpson-Pusey and Claudio Echeverri have already been relocated in the game after failed spells at Celtic and Bayer Leverkusen and moving to FC Koln and Girona respectively.

Ultimately, the coming hours are expected to be decisive, and whether Nypan finishes the season at Middlesbrough, joins another club on loan, or remains training under Pep Guardiola, City appear committed to ensuring that the midfielder’s next steps align with the long-term vision that persuaded him to commit his future to the Etihad Stadium project.