Norwich City is embarking on a new chapter with Johannes Hoff Thorup taking the reins as head coach. Despite finishing sixth in the Championship last season, the Canaries fell short of promotion after a 4-0 defeat to Leeds United in the play-off semi-finals.
Here are the final standings for the 2023/24 Championship season:
1. Leicester City (C) – 97 points, GD +48
2. Ipswich Town (P) – 96 points, GD +35
3. Leeds United – 90 points, GD +38
4. Southampton (P) – 87 points, GD +24
5. West Brom – 75 points, GD +23
6. Norwich City – 73 points, GD +15
7. Hull City – 70 points, GD +8
8. Middlesbrough – 69 points, GD +9
Following their play-off disappointment, former head coach David Wagner was relieved of his duties, with Thorup appointed as his successor. Thorup had been managing FC Nordsjaelland since January 2023, guiding them to a fourth-place finish in the Danish Superliga last season, albeit missing out on European qualification.
During the summer, Norwich made their first signing under Thorup with defender Jose Cordoba arriving from Levski Sofia. More transfers are anticipated before the window closes. Additionally, several players have departed Carrow Road, including Jon McCracken, Ben Gibson, Danny Batth, Dimitris Giannoulis, and Sam McCallum upon the expiry of their contracts. Vicente Reyes has joined Cambridge United on loan, and Christos Tzolis has secured a permanent move to Fortuna Dusseldorf.
Norwich’s season kicks off with an away fixture against newly-promoted Oxford United at the Kassam Stadium on Saturday, August 10th.
Following the departures of Gibson and Batth, Norwich City is actively seeking new center-backs this summer. According to the Pink Un, the Canaries have expressed interest in acquiring Manchester City defender Callum Doyle on loan.
Doyle spent last season on loan at Leicester City, where he made 23 appearances across all competitions as the Foxes secured the Championship title. However, he faced limited playing time in the latter half of the campaign.
Despite this, Doyle showcased his potential in the Championship during a successful loan spell at Coventry City, where he played 46 times and helped them reach the play-off final in the 2022-23 season.
With a return to Manchester City unlikely to feature in Pep Guardiola’s plans for the upcoming season, another Championship loan appears probable for the 20-year-old. Doyle is eager to resolve his future swiftly.
Norwich City, anticipated to contend for promotion next season, could offer Doyle an ideal platform. He would provide valuable youthful depth alongside experienced defenders like Grant Hanley and Shane Duffy at Carrow Road.
Norwich City faces a significant challenge in retaining midfielder Gabriel Sara this summer, as several clubs are showing keen interest in the Brazilian talent.
Sara emerged as a standout performer in the Championship last season, impressing with 14 goals and 13 assists across 53 appearances in all competitions. His stellar displays have caught the eye of Italian side Roma and Premier League outfit Crystal Palace.
Reports suggest Norwich will demand at least €20 million for Sara’s services, a figure that could deter some potential suitors but is unlikely to dissuade all interested parties.
While head coach Johannes Hoff Thorup values Sara’s presence in his squad for the early stages of the season, Norwich may opt to secure a transfer before the window closes to avoid disruption and provide Thorup with the opportunity to reinvest in the team.
Be the first to comment