Orri Oskarsson, who made headlines by debuting in senior football at just 13 years old, is on the brink of leaving FC Copenhagen, with Manchester City rumored to be among the clubs interested in the young talent.
Premier League fans are already familiar with Nordic strikers like Alexander Isak, Rasmus Hojlund, and Erling Haaland. However, a new name is emerging on the scene—19-year-old Icelandic forward Orri Oskarsson. With Julian Alvarez’s departure leaving Manchester City without a clear backup for Haaland, Oskarsson has reportedly caught the eye of City’s scouts.
Oskarsson has been in fine form, scoring seven goals in 11 matches this season for FC Copenhagen, nearly halfway to matching his 15-goal tally from the previous season. Standing at 6ft 1in, the young striker is expected to leave his current club before the transfer window closes, given his impressive performances.
Born in 2004, Oskarsson’s career is already packed with experience. He made his senior debut at just 13 years and 354 days old for Icelandic third-tier club Grotta in August 2018. Thirteen months later, he scored his first senior goal, and by 2020, his talent had drawn the attention of Copenhagen, who signed him that summer. After waiting almost two years, Oskarsson made his senior debut for Copenhagen on the last day of the 2021/22 season.
Oskarsson’s rise continued as he made his Champions League debut in October 2022, coming on as a late substitute in a 3-0 loss to Sevilla. A loan spell at Danish second division club Sonderjyske saw him score five goals in 14 appearances, convincing Copenhagen that he was ready for a full season with them. Last season, he featured in 41 games, including six Champions League matches, where he provided an assist in Copenhagen’s 3-1 defeat to Manchester City in the last-16 second leg.
According to The Athletic, Manchester City continues to monitor Oskarsson, although a move this summer is unlikely. Nevertheless, other Premier League clubs, as well as Porto and Real Sociedad, have expressed interest. Valued at just under £17m, Oskarsson is on City’s shortlist as a potential understudy to Haaland. However, Pep Guardiola is reportedly not in a rush to make a move unless the right opportunity arises, with Celtic’s Kyogo Furuhashi also being considered as a possible alternative.
