Norwich City receive surprise USA transfer approach for first-team player | OneFootball

The veteran has the opportunity to move over to the States in the twilight of his career.

Norwich City have received an offer from Major League Soccer side New York Red Bulls for Shane Duffy, according to BBC Norfolk's Chris Reeve.

The 33-year-old ex-Premier League defender has been an important part of Johannes Hoff Thorup's side this season, starting 40 of their 41 Championship games.

He has helped them to earn seven clean sheets in his appearances, using his experience and nous to aid a back line which has been relatively inexperienced for the majority of the campaign.

Duffy is currently set to stay at Carrow Road until the end of next season, with the contract that he originally signed when he joined last summer set to expire in the summer of 2026.

Now though, the prospect of a new opportunity is on the table, and one that would take the Republic of Ireland international outside of the United Kingdom for the first time in his playing career.

Norwich receive Shane Duffy offer from MLS side New York Red Bulls

American side New York Red Bulls have reportedly tabled an offer for Duffy to Norwich, as per Reeve.

The MLS is only seven games into its 2025 season and its transfer window is open until April 23. If the two clubs were to agree a deal for the centre-back, then he could be on the move before the Canaries' season is done.

New York Red Bulls are part of the Red Bull footballing portfolio, which also includes Red Bull Salzburg, RB Leipzig and Red Bull Bragantino. The energy drink company are also the front-of-shirt sponsors for Norwich's Championship rivals, Leeds United - they struck a "lucrative" multi-year deal with Daniel Farke's side in May 2024.

Over the years, the United States' top football league has served as a bit of a retirement home for players that have spent their whole careers playing in Europe. Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard all crossed the pond in the latter stages of their careers.

That trend continues today, with many of Pep Guardiola's prime Barcelona side - Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets - currently plying their trade for David Beckham's Inter Miami side, and having the opportunity to play against these types of players, plus getting to live in the Big Apple, might be quite an enticing prospect for Duffy.

Norwich must look to add more experience to their defence this summer

Whether Duffy stays or goes, Hoff Thorup has to put some emphasis on bringing in more seasoned players to his defence this summer.

Other than the Irishman and full-back Jack Stacey, not one of the Canaries' natural defensive options is over the age of 23.

Having such a fresh-faced unit in front of their goalkeeper hasn't done Norwich too many favours. They have conceded 56 goals this season - more than any other team in the top half of the Championship.

So, recruiting more options at the back who are used to the trials and tribulations of professional football would be a big help for them going forward, irrespective of whether Duffy heads out of the exit door.