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Manchester United’s hunt for new players to improve their first team has so far proven to be a frustrating endeavour, but that hasn’t stopped the English club from looking far and wide for the Old Trafford stars of tomorrow. Alongside well-known Premier League names like Bryan Mbeumo, the Red Devils have also been linked to a number of young stars that could bolster the squad’s ranks as they learn their trade.
One such example is none other than Eivind Helland. According to the Athletic, Man Utd have sent scouts to watch the young Brann defender in action in the Norwegian top-flight a number of times and are therefore interested in signing the young talent. With a market value of just €3.5 million, the 20-year-old talent is unlikely to break the bank this summer. But convincing him to part ways with the club that offered him his first taste of senior football could prove to be a difficult task.
When asked about the recent links to the Premier League giants, Helland showed maturity and calmness well beyond his years in largely dismissing such a move at this point in his career. “I haven’t thought much about it [Manchester United]," Helland told Norwegian outlet VG. "That’s just the way it is. That’s how the football world is. I’m very calm about it. I feel very comfortable here, and my plan is to stay here." And, curiously, when Helland was asked whether he could envisage himself departing for England this summer he bluntly said: "No, I’m going to play really well with Brann.” So who is this young defender and why are Man Utd so intent on signing him?
How good is Eivind Helland?
Although Helland made his league debut for Brann at the age of 18 when he came on in the dying moments of a game against Molde in July 2023, he didn’t pick up regular game time for the club until the following season, when he made 14 appearances for the Eliteserien club at right back, helping his side to second place in the league. That then quickly turned into a starting role for the club this season in his preferred centre back position, where Helland has started every single game for the club thus far and has clearly cemented his role as one of the first names on Freyr Alexandersson’s team sheet. Along the way he has also worked his way through the Norway international team’s youth ranks, making 22 appearances for the numerous youth teams. But how well regarded is he within Norwegian football?
“He’s a massive talent,” explains Bastian Schmitz, Transfermarkt data scout for Norway, when asked about the Man Utd transfer target. “Defensive players are rarely hyped in the media. However, his reputation among scouts is very high, and he will most likely be a national player in the coming years.” So what kind of player is he? “Helland has an enormous physique, standing tall at 6ft4 and with a broad frame, which means he could already compete physically in the Premier League. Other strengths include his speed and ability to open the game up with his passing,” noted Schmitz, before being asked about the player’s ideal position."He's very versatile. Primarily a central defender, but he can also play well at right-back and defensive midfield.”
Of course, thriving in the Norwegian top-flight is one thing but performing in a top-five league like the Premier League is another thing entirely. And while Schmitz was full of praise for the young talent, he was also quick to note that Helland may not be ready to help Man Utd in the short-term. “Helland is still young, so whether he is ready for the Premier League isn't really easy to answer,” noted Schmitz. “He still has things he can improve such as his defensive positioning, but overall he has such immense raw potential that a move to the Premier League wouldn't surprise anyone in Norway.”
