Norwich Summer Transfer Window 2024 Analysis: Strategy, Needs, Areas for Improvement and Financial Capabilities

Norwich’s Performance in the 2023/24 Season

Having finished a lowly 13^th in the EFL Championship in 2022/23 with 62 points, Norwich City bounced back in style last year, securing a sixth-placed finish with 73 points in 2023/24.

They made a decent start to the campaign and were undefeated in August last year, but things turned sour in September as they suffered four defeats in six games. It took them until November to get their season back on track, but the damage was done as they lost ground on the leaders. A five-game winless streak to end the season in May was the final nail in the coffin.

Norwich made it to Round 4 in the FA Cup but were met with a relentless Liverpool side that won 5-2. The EFL Cup did not bring with it much joy either, as the Canaries won the first two rounds but fell 2-1 to Fulham in Round 3.

Now, they will look to prepare themselves to take one good shot and finish in the top two for next season.

Transfer Strategy

Norwich have always been small players in the transfer market and usually prefer spending calculated amounts for players that have been extensively scouted. The sale of Emiliano Buendia to Aston Villa back in the 2021/22 season helped the club a lot, giving them funds to invest in developing the rest of the squad.

That same season, they reinvested that amount and then some as they signed several players who are now first-teamers. Another thing to note about their spending is that they onboarded young as well as experienced players to maintain a balance in the roster. Former ties with Premier League clubs also allowed them to take some of their players on loan.

Now, as they prepare for another season in the Championship, Norwich will look to complete their squad and build it to a point where they can compete effortlessly.

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Squad Needs & Areas of Improvement

Goalkeeper

Angus Gunn is the first-choice goalkeeper and has been for long, but lacks a reliable backup. So, when he is unavailable, the level drops significantly and Norwich will have to guard against this by signing another shot stopper.

Defenders

Former manager David Wagner deployed a back four usually and that trend is likely to continue. However, Norwich only have seven first-team defenders and will surely need to add one or two more to ensure they have sufficient cover.

Strikers

The Canaries currently only have Josh Sargent and Adam Idah in their ranks and will surely need to add at least two more so they do not risk dropping off if either of the two get injured.

Bench Depth

Along with signing the starters they need, Norwich will also need to invest in some players who can make an impact off the bench.

Norwich Transfer Window 2024: Potential Signings & Top Targets

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Kieffer Moore

The 31-year-old will bring with him bags of experience as he has made nearly 300 league appearances for his clubs. Last season, he made 31 appearances for Bournemouth and scored nine goals and provided an assist. Although his peak years are almost behind him, he could prove to be a valuable addition at a cut-price deal.

Thomas Cannon

The 21-year-old Irishman had a decent 2022/23 season for Preston in the Championship as he made a total of 40 appearances, scoring 20 goals and providing four assists. Last season, he joined Leicester City and made 17 appearances across competitions, scoring three goals and providing two assists. Cannon is seen as a long-term replacement for Jamie Vardy so could only be available on loan.

Joel Pohjanpalo

The 29-year-old Finn seems like the perfect choice as he is coming off an incredible season with Venezia. He made 38 appearances across competitions, scoring 23 goals and providing five assists. Teemu Pukki, another Finn, dazzled during his time at Norwich and Pohjanpalo could follow suit.

Kasper Schmeichel

The veteran goalkeeper is currently without a club and would prove to be an astute signing to add some experience to their ranks.

Norwich’s Financial Capabilities

Emiliano Buendia’s sale two seasons ago really helped Norwich as they immediately reinvested the entire amount toward signing multiple players. However, since then their transfer dealings have gone down significantly as there is no cash inflow like it was in the Premier League.

Budget Overview

Last season, Norwich offloaded a total of 20 players and raked in €27.35 million for them. They also signed 16 players but spent just €3.12 million on those players, earning them a net profit of €24.23 million. They can use this money to further improve their squad.

Financial Fair Play (FFP)

Norwich have been smart in the transfer window and have operated well within their means in the last couple of years. If they continue to do so, they should be okay with FFP.

Strategic Spending

The Canaries will continue to try and bring in experienced as well as rookie assets to maintain the balance in their team.

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