Norwich City, Leeds United transfer truth revealed - Ben Knapper must turn to Barnsley deal | OneFootball

Norwich City aren't set to be in the race for Largie Ramazani, so they should shift their focus from West to South Yorkshire and target Reyes Cleary

Norwich City fans have received some truth regarding the rumours linking them with Leeds United wideman Largie Ramazani.

The 25-year-old Belgian looks almost destined to depart Elland Road this summer, two years on from the Whites spending €11 million on him to bring the former Manchester United academy man back to England from La Liga outfit Almeria.

However, after starting just seven times en route to winning the Championship title, Ramazani played no part in Leeds' Premier League return this past season, spending it instead on loan back in Spain with Carlos Corberan's Valencia.

The Pink Un stated in late May that Norwich had Ramazani on their radar as they look to invest in a new winger this summer, but that's all there was to the story, as Talk Norwich City and BBC Radio Norfolk's Chris Reeve stated that there was nothing in the links between him and the Canaries.

What's still likely to be the case is that a new winger is high up on the shopping list at Carrow Road this summer, and perhaps Norwich shouldn't need to look too far away from West Yorkshire in their pursuit of one.

Norwich City should act as a route for Reyes Cleary into the Championship

Reyes Cleary has enjoyed a debut campaign to remember at Barnsley this season, after being a complete unknown when he arrived at Oakwell following the expiration of his West Brom contract.

The 22-year-old had to spend the second half of the 2024/25 campaign in the National League on loan at Hartlepool United, as he'd already made a cameo appearance for the Baggies in the EFL Cup before a dud loan spell with Walsall in the opening stages of the term.

Therefore, not many at Barnsley were expecting big things from him, with him initially being highlighted as one for the future. Cleary showed almost immediately that he was ready to make an impact in the present.

The 22-year-old ended the campaign with 13 assists, the most in League One, with seven goals to go alongside them. Additionally, he put himself in the eyeline of teams in the Championship and above with a star-making performance against Liverpool in the FA Cup third round.

Blackburn Rovers were the side linked with him the most throughout the January transfer window, but Barnsley set their valuation at a reported £5 million, with them being reluctant to sell midway through the season.

Not only may that valuation be a little lower now in the summer, but Norwich would also likely be able to afford that fee from January if they deem Cleary to be a worthwhile investment for that much, which he clearly is.

Barnsley were a very entertaining side to watch in League One last season, and a lot of that was down to Cleary's work on the ball. The forward-thinking wideman averaged just under two successful dribbles per game and created just under two chances a game, too, per Fotmob.

Norwich are set to have plenty of exciting, young attackers at Carrow Road next season, and he could easily fit into that category, too.

Norwich City have already shown they can oversee the development of League One forwards — Reyes Cleary can follow Jovon Makama's footsteps

There shouldn't be any worries that Cleary cannot realise his potential or grow even further while at Norwich, as they've recently specialised in bringing in young, exciting prospects who can make an immediate impact to raise their market value.

The likes of Mohamed Toure, Oscar Shwartau, and Pelle Mattson, for example, have come from foreign leagues, but the Canaries haven't dismissed the idea of bringing in talent from League One, either.

Before his injury, former Lincoln City man Jovon Makama was arguably Norwich's best player, acting as one of the lone bright sparks of Liam Manning's time at the club, before coming into his own under Philippe Clement.

The 22-year-old scored seven times in 15 league outings under the Belgian boss before a foot injury curtailed his season in February. He did play mainly as a striker, but has experience playing out on the wing, too.

He arrived with little-to-no fanfare this past summer and has gone from strength to strength. Cleary would be arriving with a lot more hype, but at Norwich, he could easily live up to it.

The Canaries are being tipped to be among the promotion-chasers next season due to their strong second half of the recent campaign under Clement. The addition of Cleary would do no harm in making those expectations a reality.