I have it on good authority that he is very much underrated by Daniel Farke. Has he joined Bayern Munich by any chance?
I'm actually with Robbie on this one. I think Leitner is (was?) potentially a fantastic player but for some reason it all went wrong for him at Norwich (something in his mental make up?) I'm sad about what happened, but glad he's out of the door at last.
I am sure you are right as I was not being serious . It amuses that some criticised Farke for not playing him and yet there was very little interest in other clubs signing him. A player who lost his way for whatever reason.
I've had a look back at what was said when Sørensen arrived and he described himself like this: "I’m mostly a number six defensive midfielder, but can also play as a centre-back." That seems to be just what we need in a 'double 6' midfield alongside McLean, Rupp or Gilmour. He's now 23 and has had a whole season to adjust to Farkeball, so it will be interesting to see how things work out in pre-season and beyond.
I think the main problem was a lack of defensive skills, which is critical in a 'double 6' midfield, where both midfielders have to be strong on both sides of the ball.
The Athletic had an article today about NCFC's transfer window. A winger, CB and CM (in addition to Gilmour) still on the shopping list apparently.
Apparently the recruitment parameters have shifted, lifting some of the financial constraints of previous windows: https://www.pinkun.com/sport/norwic...borussia-dortmund-paddy-davitt-column-8097794 That Delaney wasn't immediately knocked back by the club could be an example, though it doesn't mean he's top of the list. What it does suggest is that Rashica may not be the last big signing this summer. The Athletic's "winger, CB and CM (in addition to Gilmour)" looks about right out of the 4 squad places currently available, leaving one space for the January window, two if Sinani goes out on loan again. Given Paddy's earlier comment that "the players Norwich are targeting will take people by surprise, in a good way", the emphasis would seem to be on quality rather than shopping for bargains.
Stiepermann had left, mutual cancellation of his contact. Could the last midfielder out please turn out the lights?
I'm a bit surprised by that, but it's beginning to look like Rashica is going to play as an AM/2nd striker behind Pukki, with Dowell and Rupp as the other options ahead of Stiepermann. Dowell and Rupp can also play WR and Rupp is an option at CM as well. If that's the case, then the replacement for Buendia is one of the new players still being sought. It's just part of squad development, I suppose. In other news, Soto is going to Portugal on loan with an option to buy: http://sportwitness.co.uk/norwich-c...al-new-club-today-loan-option-permanent-move/
Bit disappointed to hear this tbh His service to the club was pretty monumental, albeit quite brief and cut short a few games into the premier league season
Like you said, hard to say too much without knowing how the squad ends up. Realistically he's been a peripheral figure since he was deemed ineffectual around 12 games into our last Premier League season, and at 30 it's hard to see him getting back to the level required to oust Dowell or Cantwell from the starting XI. If a player starting regularly would be a worry, then perhaps it's time for them to move on. I suspect Stiepermann knew he wouldn't get significant game time, and he'll probably get a better move this summer than next after another 12 months on the bench/in the reserves. It does leave us a bit thin on the ground in attacking midfield areas: Cantwell, Dowell, Rashica are frontline options, with another winger meant to be on the shopping list. I wonder if McLean will be considered as an attacking midfield option as well next season (see below). Then Hernandez, Placheta in reserve, and Rupp, Martin who could do a job there in a pinch. I wouldn't be surprised to see another, less high-profile signing in attacking midfield areas. McLean is going to be an interesting one, with Gilmour coming in. McLean has been an ever-present this season, and Farke thought highly of him in the Premier League last time. But Gilmour is coming here to play, and a McLean-Gilmour partnership in midfield would be seriously lightweight. I can't see that being the plan, it'll be Gilmour + a DM. So I wonder if that pushes McLean into a CAM role, where he played when he first arrived at Norwich. He's one of our better players in the air (Gilmour won't add a lot in that department), and can drop into a midfield 3 if needed.
As you say, until we have all of the pieces, it's hard to see the puzzle's final shape. My guess is based upon Rashica's ability to play as a striker, that he's right footed and doesn't have Buendia's defensive skills. I see Dowell as second choice at CAM and Rupp as another option. McLean can also play as a CAM but I think DF will want him to remain in our 'double 6' midfield where the two midfielders share defensive and attacking responsibilities, much as McLean and Skipp did last season. Gilmour can play as a CM or DM and he could play alongside McLean or Sørensen in the 'double 6' midfield, as that is what he's being brought here for.
I wonder if we are looking to set up in a 3-4-3 similar to England played against Germany. We certainly need a new first team ready CB for that but it could allow a midfield of McLean and Gilmour with Gianoulis and Aarons, if he stays, either side. 2 of Rashica/Dowell/Cantwell/Placheta/Hernandez playing off Pukki
This is a shame. Had high hopes for Soto. A loan move seemed likely but the club's obviously not convinced if the option to buy is true.
