According to David Ornstein of the New York Times, Manchester City are strong admirers of young Nordic talent, Orri Oskarsson from FC Copenhagen. Man City recently concluded the sale of Julian Alvarez to Atletico Madrid giving them the freedom to lineup a competitor for goal-scoring beast Erling Haaland.
Pep Guardiola’s side have slim chances to execute another transfer move after signing Ilkay Gundogan on a free transfer from Barcelona. But Oskarsson’s exploits in the Norwegian league might lead them to change their plans.
Oskarsson: A breakout star from the Norge
The 19-year-old talent moved to Copenhagen from FC Grotta in 2022. The forward was sent on loan to Sonderjyskeand, but was later recalled after he proved to his parent club that he is ready to start for the senior team.
The Iceland international accumulated 41 appearances (23 goal contributions) last term and provided an assist for Copenhagen against Man City in the second-leg tie of the UCL round of 16.
Orri Óskarsson for FC København:
☑️21/22: 1 game
☑️22/23: 8 games & 1 goal
☑️23/24: 41 games, 15 goals & 8 assists
☑️24/25 so far: 11 games, 7 goals & 1 assist
19 years of age. Getting better and better. Big future ahead. 🦁🇮🇸 pic.twitter.com/gPFPlft6Ce
— Football Talent Scout – Jacek Kulig (@FTalentScout) August 26, 2024
He has been excellent in the ongoing Superliga season, with seven goals in 11 games. The striker’s momentum could push him to much higher numbers as months pass by.
Thus, Man City are interested in signing the lethal ace who comes from the same land as Haaland. The 6ft 1 forward is a tough and pacy attacker, with clean finishing skills. Some fans might even label him as Haaland 2.0.
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Are Man City willing to sign Oskarsson before the deadline day?
Copenhagen are ready to part ways with their young starlet if any potential suitor is ready to splash €20 million this summer.
Several Premier League teams along with Porto and Real Sociedad are keeping tabs on Oskarsson. No other club has tabled an offer recently, with Girona being the only one whose €13.5m offer was rejected by the Danish club.
As things stand, Guardiola seems to be content with the options he has. However, Oscar Bobb’s recent injury and Alvarez’s departure left a void that can be filled with the present options in the squad.
The manager didn’t shut the door on a possible transfer but also stated that he would be holding talks with the club’s authorities for the same.
The Spanish boss said: “I feel comfortable, because the quality of human beings we have in the squad is difficult to be replaced, and the quality is there. But we’ll see, I don’t know in the last moment if someone comes for some players and they leave, we’re going to decide.”
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The reigning PL champions will be fighting for their fifth title this campaign, breaking their previous record of four. The manager and his medical team will be working hard to maintain the fitness of their attackers.
Manchester City may not mind getting a player to ease the pressure on their current starters. We believe that the Blues won’t spend big. They snubbed a move for Real Madrid’s Rodrygo as they might look for cheaper but high-potential individuals.
It will be interesting to see whether Oskarsson fits into the category and joins one of the best clubs in the world.
