Vladan Kovačević is confirmed: "The Bosnian shot-stopper has joined the Canaries for an initial £2m deal plus future bonuses based on player and team performance that could take the fee higher. He has signed a four-year contract at Carrow Road with the option of an additional year." https://www.pinkun.com/sport/norwic...y-confirm-signing-sportings-vladan-kovacevic/
The biggest reported interest seems to be coming from Serie A so far, with Fiorentina, Roma and Udinese all being linked. A tough league for a striker to prove themselves, if he wants to help his international chances I’m not sure that would be the best route
I wonder about how many clubs are concerned about spending big money considering Josh's injury record over the past two years.
On the other hand is he not as good as we think he is and other clubs consider him to be no more than a Championship level striker? Pukki was far more prolific than Josh and nobody ever seriously came in for him.
Could be, though Pukki's age worked against him (he was 33 when he left us). He was never as effective after Buendia left. Josh is now 25 and reaching his prime (31 goals in 55 games over the last two seasons), which makes me think his injury record could be a bigger factor.
I fully accept the age difference makes a lot of difference but it just struck me that the scoring record of Pukki was far better for us and Finland and he had more experience in Europe than Sargent yet nobody came in for him. Don't get me wrong - I hope Sargent stays as he is a good Championship striker but is he any better than that?
He surely couldn’t do much worse than Hojland at Man Utd and would cost significantly less. I think Sargent is widely considered to be one of the best current strikers at this level, that doesn’t always translate into being able to make the step up. No gurantees but I think he would do a decent job for a lower half PL team but I’d rather he stays and we find out ourselves in a year or so time!
Lewis Koumas of Liverpool the first winger to be linked now that the defensive additions have been made. 19 year old who can play RW or LW. Had a good loan at Stoke last season.
Koumas looks interesting. Lots of appearances in lots of positions for Stoke. He played mainly as a striker for the Liverpool U18s, but his usual position is WL as an inverted winger. He looks to have a lot of natural ability at 19. May be pipped though by Sheffield United, who are also said to be interested. Not sure we're in Liverpool's good books either, after sending Gordon back to them.
Hopefully not, looks more developed from the highlights package that was attached. Uses his body well to turn defenders. Also having recently had a year of experience at the level he should be better prepared for what is required.
Looking back, I remember his father, Jason Koumas, who hit his peak as a winger for West Brom and Cardiff, being extremely skillful, pacey and a breakaway threat. The video shows that Lewis has similar skills already at 19. Jason's weakness, however, was his defensive contribution, but the game has changed a lot in recent years. As for our chances of signing him, FLW sees some positive advantages for us: "Although Sheffield United are likely to have more of a chance of achieving promotion next season, moving to Carrow Road could present Koumas with a better opportunity for career progression. The Blades currently have a much stronger frontline in comparison to Norwich and Koumas would potentially have to settle for a more rotational role, which isn’t what he needs at this crucial stage of his development. Therefore, joining Norwich and working under a coach renowned for his ability to get the best out of young players in the form of Manning could be exactly what helps take Koumas to the next level." https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/n...erpool-winger-amid-sheffield-united-interest/
I only got 2 minutes in but imo it looks like a lot of his saves put the ball back in the danger area
Always a tricky balance. Last season we had 5 loans, 4 of which succeeded (Doyle, Slimane, Dobbin and Wright). The exception was Kaide Gordon, who just never seemed to fit into the squad. We then signed two of the successes (Slimane and Wright). We couldn't have afforded to sign Doyle or Dobbin, so loans were the only option. While not spectacular, Slimane proved to be a decent acquisition for the £1.5m we paid and I think Wright has the potential to be a great signing for the £2.5m we paid.
I know what you mean, but on a limited budget he adds versatility and a decent backup for McLean and Núñez at £1.2m (Transfermarkt values him at €3m) He knows the league and is competitive, but performs better as an AM than in CM, IMO.
