Sverre Nypan said the chance to be coached by the ‘best in the world’ Pep Guardiola was a key factor in his decision to join Manchester City.
A number of Premier League clubs were interested in signing the young Norwegian midfielder following his impressive performances at Rosenborg.
Arsenal, at one point, believed that they had stolen on a march on City in the race to sign Nypan and were hopeful that the influence exerted by Norway’s national team captain Martin Odegaard could help seal a deal.
However, having waited until the summer to make his decision, the 18-year-old has instead chosen to join City in a deal worth £12.5million.
Nypan has signed a five-year contract at the Etihad Stadium, but is expected to spend next season out on loan to continue his development.
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Despite that, the teenager admitted that the possibility of working under Guardiola was a key reason why he turned down other clubs in favour of City.
‘I am incredibly happy and proud to have joined Manchester City,’ Nypan said as his signing was announced.
‘It’s a dream for any young footballer to become part of this Club and to join such a group of world class talent.
‘I am still very young with a lot to learn but the chance to be coached by Pep Guardiola, the best manager in the world, will only help me to become a better player.
‘There is already a special connection between Norway and Manchester City through Erling Haaland and Oscar Bobb, and I am very proud to have become the latest Norwegian player to have joined the club.’
Nypan continues City’s busy summer window and is their fifth signing after Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Rayan Cherki and Marcus Bettinelli.
City Director of Football Hugo Viana said: ‘Sverre is an exciting young player that the Club has been monitoring for quite some time now.
‘We feel that he already has numerous standout qualities but that at only 18 years of age, he is only going to continue to improve.
‘We believe he will be an important asset for Manchester City in the years to come and we will support him every step of the way in his development.’
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