Hello football fans! The summer transfer window is well upon us, with many exciting moves happening. The Norwegian Eliteserien is yet again being scouted by the bigger European leagues with a few notable departures.

First, fan-favorite Hugo Vetlesen finally departed Aspmyra after 3 seasons and 2 Eliteserien titles won. Club Brugge, under their new Norwegian manager Ronny Delia, formerly of Strømsgodset and Vålerenga, paid a 7M euro fee for Vetlesen’s services, and I believe he will do quite well in the Belgian League. The attacking central midfielder can operate through the middle, or take the ball wide, and will always make good runs into the box to finish off a cut-back.

Second, Christopher Bonsu Baah enjoyed one of the shortest stints in the Eliteserien, departing for KRC Genk this summer for 5.2M after only arriving at Sarpsborg 08 in March. In such a short period of time, Bonsu Baah integrated himself into the team and merited a starting role almost immediately. A creative, agile right-winger who loves to cut inside and can pick a pass or pick out the top corner of the net. Bonsu Baah joins fellow Eliteserien graduate Gift Orban at Genk, and could combine to make quite the attack pair.

Finally, Odin Thiago Holm makes his long awaited departure from the Eliteserien, off to join Brendan Rogers at Celtic after a 3M fee was agreed upon. This is one of the most exciting young Norwegian prospects heading out to the Scottish Premiership to prove himself. Odin Thiago Holm can play anywhere in the midfield, from a defensive #6 to a pure #10. He has the stamina to run all game long, and possesses an elite work-rate to match. I am very excited to see how he progresses while at Celtic. So, now that some more great talents have departed, who are the most interesting prospects to keep an eye on in the Eliteserien?

1. Sivert Mannsverk – The young anchor of Molde’s midfield shows composure and a level of ability beyond his years. He has the potential to go all the way to the very top if he keeps progressing as he has. Also featuring in Norway’s U21 side at the recent U21 Euros, Mannsverk looks to be the future defensive midfielder of the Norwegian national team. Currently valued near 5M euros, I don’t believe it will be long before a club is willing to pay that to secure their future. I could see Mannsverk succeeding in the Belgian, Dutch, or German leagues very easily. (Current market value: 5M)

2. Akor Adams – The 23 year old Nigerian is currently in the midst of a breakout season in the Eliteserien, notching 14 goals and 1 assist in 13 matches so far this season. Adams joined Sogndal in the 2nd division of Norway in 2019, when he had a market value of 50k. 2022 was his first full season in the Eliteserien, where in 23 appearances he was able to record 8 goals and add 2 assists. Now, at the halfway point of this season, he’s already surpassed his best ever season, and there are still games to play. If Akor Adams keeps up this form, you can expect him to follow the path of Gift Orban and Christopher Bonsu Baah, likely moving to Belgium. (Current market value: 4M)

3. Albert Gronbaek – the young Dane has some big shoes to fill in Bodo’s midfield now: Hugo Vetlesen’s. Gronbaek and Vetlesen are similar profile players, both attacking midfielders who enjoy operating in the wide areas as well. Since Vetlesen’s departure, Gronbaek has elevated his game, creating consistent chances for Bodo/Glimt and developing more of an eye for goal. Vetlesen’s departure to Brugge in a way foreshadows Gronbaek’s eventual departure as well, he’s simply too good to stay in Norway forever. (Current market value: 5M)

So there you have it, three great talents departing the Eliteserien, and three great talents who are next up to follow in their footsteps. This league keeps getting more recognition from the rest of Europe, so keep an eye on these players, as the Eliteserien is where you’ll find tomorrow’s superstars, today.