If he leaves permanently its not only a surprise but a disappointment. You could see how talented he was just by his close control if nothing else.
On the other hand there where signs in the last 6 months or so that his development had stalled slightly. His performances and influence for the 18s dropped and others where picked to make the step up to the 21s ahead of him, including the much younger Pereirra. You got the feeling watching him in the end of season academy games that he should of stepped his game up and be dominating this level by now, but instead he seemed to be struggling a bit.
At least he's going to Molde and not a rival.