What Happened to Man Utd’s ‘Next Martin Odegaard’ Who Rejected New Deal
When it comes Manchester United's most famous Norwegian export, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is undoubtedly in his own lane after playing for and managing the Red Devils.
But not that long ago, the Red Devils had another highly-rated gem from the Scandinavian country on their books - though things did not quite work out.
In 2020, United fended off interest from a host of clubs to secure the services of Isak Hansen-Aaroen, who had just recently made his first-team debut for Tromso - becoming the club's youngest ever player at 15 years and 323 days.
The midfielder had previously had trials with both Liverpool and Everton but signed for United, where he had attended the 'Soccer Schools World Skills Final' when he was just 10 years old.
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He slotted into the youth system at United and signed his first professional contract in 2021.
But despite being a regular in the Under 21 side and helping the Under 18's win the FA Youth Cup, Hansen-Aaroen did not make the grade in United's first team - failing to make a competitive appearance and only being used in pre-season.
What happened to United's highly-rated prospect?
Likened to compatriot Martin Odegaard and Luka Modric, Hansen-Aaroen had plenty of admirers amongst United supporters and was reportedly offered a new few four-and-a-half year deal that included being sent out on loan.
However, the youngster was unhappy with his lack of opportunities and turned down the proposal - with United feeling as though his demands were a tad unrealistic.
As a result, Hansen-Aaroen signed for Werder Bremen on the final day of the winter transfer window in 2024 and stated that the move was the "right step" and he was "happy to have the opportunity to play in the Bundesliga".
However, fast forward to the present day and things have not quite panned out in Hansen-Aaroen's new surroundings.
He played three times in the second half of the 2023/24 campaign but a lack of minutes saw at the start of last season him sign on loan for Aalborg BK in Denmark and again only feature on three occasions.
The trend has continued this term, though, with the 21-year-old playing just once in Bremen's 15 Bundesliga games - managing 25 minutes of action.
The Norway Under 21 player has played in the regional league for the reserves but according to a report from BILD, via Sport Witness, the move to Bremen "was and remains" too big for Hansen-Aaroen, is a "hot" candidate to depart in January.
His contract is believed to run until 2028 but his future at the Weser Stadium looks bleak.
Topics: Man Utd
Josh Lawless