https://www.nottscountyfc.co.uk/news/2026/january/26/signing--harald-tangen/

Attacking midfielder Harald Nilsen Tangen has joined us from Sarpsborg 08.

The 25-year-old Norwegian, who has made 130 appearances in his native top flight, arrives on an initial loan which could be made permanent this summer.

Director of Football Richard Montague said:  “Harald has lots of exciting qualities.

“He’s very strong technically with an excellent first touch, an eye for a pass, quick feet and a rapid change of direction which allows him to get out of tight spaces and carry the ball into dangerous areas.

“Harald is also very hard-working in the press and he’s been an important player for both Sarpsborg and Viking FF at the top level of Norwegian football.

“It’s great to add him to the list of talented players we already have in the attacking midfield position.”

Born in Stavanger, Tangen is a product of Viking FK’s academy and, having shown his promise in a handful of first-team appearances both at Viking and out on loan in the second tier, enjoyed his breakthrough season in 2021 as he scored five goals in 27 Eliteserien appearances.

Tangan, who won Norway youth caps up to Under 20s level, remained a mainstay in Viking’s side over the next two-and-a-half seasons before signing a long-term contract with Sarpsborg in August 2024.

He'll wear squad number 27.

Welcome aboard Harald & good luck.

Looks and sounds decent enough signing - Norwegian top flight is handy, produces quick, robust and talented players on a regular basis.

Just what we need!

On paper he looks a very good signing for Notts. He will need to deal with the physicality of League 2. This is where Football Radar comes in to its own, & the Club must be confident he can do a job for them.

It may take him a few weeks to acclimatise, so we will just have to see how he adjusts once he gets up to speed. Notts do have plenty of cover in the AM now, Nilsen, Iorpenda, Grant, Hall, Jones & Luker when he returns. We also have Dennis who can play behind Jatta.

There is a lot of competition now in this area of the pitch & players will be fighting for a place, but if Harald can make the number 10 his own, Notts will be in a great place up to the end of the season.

According to Radio Nottingham Sport Notts have had talks with Reuben Rodrigues but it won’t happen in this window. Maybe Harald was next down the list.

2 hours ago, Fan of Big Tone said:

According to Radio Nottingham Sport Notts have had talks with Reuben Rodrigues but it won’t happen in this window. Maybe Harald was next down the list.

which is why I was disappointed to see the news...that's nothing to do with Harry Tangen, so welcome and the best of luck to him. Monty's description of his qualities shows they get what we need right now....but whether he can deliver, immediately, in the rough and tumble of L2, has to be a huge question mark. First time living out of Norway too.

So, welcome and best of luck to our new player - no pressure, as far as promotion goes, we can't afjord to get this wrong

(maybe we can, just wanted to get that in, sorry)

Sounds one for next season or last 10 games at best. Norwegian leagues run from March to November so can't see he'll be match fit. Looks promising though.

Great that the club have tried to address all the areas that everyone could see were an issue.

Obviously they've decided that how it turned out with Traore and Edwards doesn't necessarily mean Scandinavia to L2 is too big a leap.

I wonder if RR has said he'll come back if we're in L1 next season.

As a Norwegian myself, I’m buzzing about this signing. Norwegian football is fast and physical, so I’m confident he’ll handle the tempo and intensity just fine. Wishing Harald all the best and hoping he smashes it here!

If he is used to the physicality that is good news @Morten Johansen He looks to be hard working & good at pressing. I don't think that he is just going to walk into the Notts side. Martin Paterson likes to see competition for places & he likes a good attitude in his players as well as technical abilities. Hall, Grant, Iorpenda, Jones, Luker (if he returns), & even Dennis will be keen to stake a place of their own before Tangent.

It all sounds very promising. I've looked at his career stats on Transfermarkt, he plays regularly, which tends to be a good sign. He's also only played for two clubs permanently, so he's not one of those players who get a new team every season either. Hopefully he can adapt quickly and help us.

According to Transfermarkt he's played in central midfield more often than as an attacking midfielder. In the 38 games he's played as an attacking midfielder, he picked up 11 goals and assists, which is pretty decent.

Like @Mapperley Pie says, the Norwegian season ends in November. Harry Tangen hasn't played since September, so he'll be rusty and I wouldn't expect him to be in the first 11 too soon.