Football League World
·28 July 2024
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·28 July 2024
FLW looks at four Premier League players that should be on Norwich City's radar this summer.
Norwich City supporters are crying out for a new signing.
The Canaries have been rather quiet in the transfer window so far in terms of incomings, with just one fresh face being brought in so far. Centre-back, Jose Cordoba, put pen to paper in early June as Norwich's first signing of the summer, but there has yet to be any more new arrivals since.
Of course, there has been some movement in the managerial department at Carrow Road as 35-year-old Johannes Hoff Thorup was announced as the new Head Coach earlier this summer, after spending his career in Denmark and most recently managing FC Nordsjaelland.
The Dane is clearly being patient in the summer window as he gets to know his squad ahead of next season. In fairness, the squad is reasonably solid in all positions, but they are lacking a natural left-back following the departures of Sam McCallum and Dimitris Giannoulis, so that must be at the top of their priority list. They are also at risk of losing one or two key midfielders, so Thorup will have to take that into consideration when looking at the market.
Norwich have recently been linked with one name in particular from the Premier League, but there may also be other top-flight players that are worth looking at. With that in mind, Football League World takes a look at four Premier League players that the Canaries could consider signing this summer.
Starting off with a player who looks set to be joining Norwich this summer, Callum Doyle would be a great fit at Carrow Road next season. The 20-year-old was first linked with a move to the Canaries on the 14th of July, as local reports revealed they were fighting for his signature.
Since then, the move has become increasingly more likely, with journalist Nick Mashiter claiming that a season-long loan deal had been agreed in principle with Manchester City. The same journalist then stated that Doyle was flying out to the USA for a pre-season tour with Manchester City before he is due to join Norwich on loan.
The 20-year-old has spent the last three seasons on loan in the EFL, firstly achieving promotion to the second tier with Sunderland before becoming a crucial part of the Coventry City side that made the Championship play-off final. Last season he was with Leicester City, but suffered an injury and was in and out of the team.
Capable of playing both as a centre-back and as a left-back, the left-footed defender would be crucial for Norwich City as they desperately need to fill their void at left-back. Despite being just 20-year-old, Doyle would arrive with enough Championship experience to be a guaranteed starter at Carrow Road next season as they fight for the play-offs.
Luke Thomas could be an alternative left-back option for Norwich next season, as they would most likely need two fresh faces in that position following the departures of McCallum and Giannoulis.
The 23-year-old has played most of his senior football in the Premier League so far, but his days of regular top-flight football appear numbered as he now seems out of favour at the King Power Stadium.
Thomas spent the first half of last season on loan at Sheffield United in the Premier League before dropping back down to the Championship to sign on loan for Middlesbrough. He made 24 league appearances over both spells before returning to his parent club, Leicester, at the end of the season.
The left-back has one year remaining on his contract at Leicester, so the Foxes may look to sell before he departs on a free. Thomas would be a solid signing for the majority of Championship clubs, and Norwich should certainly target him considering their lack of a left-back.
As well as bringing in new left-backs this summer, Norwich may have to consider signing a central midfielder should Gabriel Sara and/or Kenny McLean depart over the coming weeks. The former is one that the Canaries will be desperate to keep hold of after his standout performances last season, but Roma and Crystal Palace have both previously been linked with him.
Kenny McLean could also be on his way out, with Sheffield United reportedly targeting the midfielder, but nothing has been confirmed yet.
If a new midfielder is needed, they should look no further than 19-year-old Bobby Clark. The Liverpool star has been hugely impressive in his youth career, and is now getting more and more opportunities with the first-team, having made five Premier League appearances last campaign.
Jürgen Klopp's decision to start him in Liverpool's Europa League tie with Sparta Prague last season turned out to be a huge success, as the 19-year-old scored and assisted within just 10 minutes in a 6-1 victory.
It now seems the time for Clark to go on loan for the first time in his career, and Norwich City could be a potential destination. The Canaries have previously been linked with the young central midfielder as they look to strengthen their options for next season. Clark is currently recovering from an injury, but once recovered he could well be off to the Championship to further his development.
An alternative option for the centre of midfield could be young Brighton man, Yasin Ayari. The 20-year-old signed for Brighton back in January 2023, but has since been out on loan to gain experience.
He spent the first half of last season on loan at Coventry City before swapping the Midlands for Lancashire and signing for Blackburn Rovers. Ayari showed glimpses of talent in both spells, but he is probably not ready for regular game time in the Premier League, so another Championship loan spell would make the most sense.
Norwich should absolutely be keeping tabs on him this summer if Sara or McLean do depart, as they will need to strengthen their midfield options. Ayari is a well-rounded midfielder who can support both the defence and attack, so he may be exactly what Norwich need next season if they wish for depth.