Manchester City has officially announced the completion of the loan deal for their young Norwegian player Saferi Niban to Middlesbrough, to enhance his experience and participation with the team in the Championship League for the 2025-2026 season. The deal is part of City's plans to ensure the player's development through continuous play.

Saferi Niban (born December 19, 2006, in Trondheim, Norway) joined Manchester City in a deal worth around £12.5 million last July, after his outstanding performance with his previous club Rosenborg, where he scored 14 goals in 62 matches alongside his titles as a distinguished young player in the Norwegian league.

Manchester City believes that loaning Niban to Middlesbrough will provide him with the opportunity to participate effectively in a league characterized by physical strength and speed, which will help accelerate his technical and mental growth. Middlesbrough is considered a suitable environment for the player’s development before he secures a starting position in City's lineup in the future.

Niban progressed through the age categories of Rosenborg, where he signed his first professional contract in January 2022, and then made his first team debut in November of the same year, becoming the youngest player to officially represent the club. In 2023 and 2024, he won the Best Young Player award in the Norwegian league due to his talent and valuable contributions.