Marley Watkins did NOT play for a Champions League team. Actually I am not sure he played for Norwich either.
For what it's worth, I'm nowhere near correct, we've had several more: https://norwichcity.myfootballwriter.com/2020/08/27/champions-league-final-canaries/ Helveg was the name I had in mind. I forgot Ryan Bertrand, and probably should have got Martin O'Neill. All the others to win a final are long before my time, David Hodgson anyone?
Daniel Barden to join Livingston on loan for the season https://www.eveningnews24.co.uk/spo...barden-livingston-loan-move-confirmed-8114512
Eggestein definitely seems to be available and looking for a move. Good age, could very easily have been a £30m player a couple of seasons ago, available for probably £8-10m after Bremen's relegation...it ticks a lot of the financial boxes for Norwich. I think he's changed agent recently, so equally this could absolutely be agent/paper talk. Be interesting to see if it gets more attention, Norwich have been pretty quick to deny incorrect links through Michael Bailey/EDP/Pinkun channels.
This is from a Deich Stube article: "So far there have been no rumors as to which clubs might have had an eye on Maximilian Eggestein. There should be interest from the Bundesliga, but nothing concrete yet. One track allegedly leads to England. Perhaps Norwich City, the club with German coach Daniel Farke, could be an issue. There Werder Bremen has already sold Milot Rashica for a fee of no less than eleven million euros. Thanks to possible bonus payments, this sum can grow to 15 million euros in the next few years. But it's not just about the transfer. A Maximilian Eggestein is not a cheap player for the second division as the Werder professionals will receive 40 to 60 percent less salary after relegation. Werder Bremen wouldn't mind getting a top earner like him off the payroll. The other way around: Which professional likes to forego money? Then there is the sporting component. After 156 Bundesliga games, the second division does not actually fit into the career plan of a 24-year-old. Apparently the otherwise calm Eggestein has now become a little impatient - and has changed consultants for the hoped-for change." Like Rashica, Eggestein stayed on at Werder Bremen after they scraped though the play-offs to avoid relegation. Last season was even worse and he now wants out. Total guesswork, but I wonder if Rashica's move has spurred him to change agent to help him find a new club. As DH says, it could be a good move for him and for us. Our German manager, Rashica's signing, a player looking to restore his career path all suggest a SW type signing. One to watch certainly.
Cantwell to Aston Villa so it is rumoured...........£25m should get this over the line.Never been a fan but others will disagree
Can't see that happening for any less than £30m, and surely only if Grealish leaves. Vrancic is on the verge of signing for Stoke, according to the Telegraph. Not quite what I expected!
Agree about Villa, they're a prime target for journos needing to meet a deadline. Very pleased for Mario, who should get a reasonable wage with Stoke for his twilight years and hope he does well.
Possible £10m+ bid for Ajer? https://www.sundaypost.com/fp/norwich-kristoffer-ajer/ And another similar rumour about Billing: "according to Alan Nixon, Norwich are now showing an interest in Billing and are keen to bring him to Carrow Road this summer. It is claimed that a fee of £10million would be enough to tempt Bournemouth into selling, with the Cherries willing to cash in this summer." https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/norwich-city-weighing-up-10m-move-for-afc-bournemouth-ace/?wn=&r1=
I find it difficult to believe we would spend a combined £20+m on Billings and Ajer. If we sell Canwell and/or Aarons this could fund this level of spending. I don’t think Billings is in the Danish Euro Champs squad. Do SW and DF know something we don’t?
My point was spending this sort of money, which is unusual for NCFC, can only be funded by sales. So, if we are after both Billings and Ajer, then sales could be imminent. All we get is speculation,
I think we're interested in both but that Ajer is further down the line if Celtic are willing to compromise. Billing or another CM/DM may have to wait until we have money coming in.
Everything coming out of the more informed journalists (Pinkun/Athletic) seems to suggest Billing + Ajer (or at least equivalent players) + Skipp on loan is achievable without sales. The summer budget seems to be around £30m, reduced to around £20m after Rashica's signing. So 2 X £10m signings is achievable. From the most recent Pinkun podcast, perhaps that leaves us a bit light in attacking midfield areas. If we want a permanent addition in that area, it'll only be possible if Aarons/Cantwell are sold. Instead, if Skipp doesn't come back we might use our second loan spot for an attacking midfielder, or use Idah more in that kind of role. He played a wider role a couple of times last season, and Gilmour might offer more creativity from deeper areas to compensate for Rashica/Idah offering less creativity than Buendia did.
Very good analysis, DH - I hadn't stopped to work out the figures. As for Buendia's creativity, we need to remember that he only scored 1 goal in the PL, though his creativity stats were very good. In terms of output though, Rashica and Idah could well produce some vital goals this time around which were lacking back then, especially if we up the amount of counter-attacking on the break. Rashica also has pace, which Emi lacks, so we'll have to see. As you say, Gilmour could bring more creativity from midfield than Skipp was able to achieve.
Pinkun round-up of the current transfer possibilities: https://www.pinkun.com/sport/norwich-city/canaries-transfer-market-connor-southwell-column-8116704 Meanwhile, the chances of Skipp returning look slimmer and slimmer: https://www.pinkun.com/sport/norwic...r-skipp-tottenham-hotspur-future-loan-8116734 We currently have 22 senior players in the squad and 6 U21 players. Ajer and Billing, or alternatives would take us to 24 and a reasonably balanced squad with depth at most positions. Then there's the question of Aarons and/or Cantwell leaving and who might replace them.
Drmic loan to Rieka confirmed for the season. Last year of his contract, so that's him out of the building. Swift work there, he won't have needed to return for pre-season at all. I believe the Pinkun said Andy Hughes is working with the club, coaching on a temporary basis. He's reknowned for tough fitness sessions, and will be working with those outside the first team picture. I think part of the idea is that the sessions are so fearsome they take the first offer that comes along...
