Pinkun reporting Norwich have a genuine interest in Jordan Hugill, of West Ham, with rumours a £5m fee has been agreed. Dave Freezer of the EDP thinks it's legit, but that the fee would likely be structured. He presumes it would be a replacement for Drmic, just brought in before Drmic leaves. Hugill is definitely a "Plan B" striker. Much more an aerial, physical threat compared to Pukki. Interesting one, he was excellent at Preston in the Championship.
Interesting rumour DH. Hugill scored 15 goals in 32 starts and 9 sub appearances for QPR last year and would offer a different threat, as you say. His 'late start' club history and style of play remind me of Grant Holt: "Hugill is a target man forward, has great strength and is able to out-muscle opposition defenders. Former Port Vale teammate Tom Pope stated that Hugill had an excellent attitude and "was desperate to learn and improve"." West Ham paid £9.2m for him two years ago, so £5m seems a good price and near his valuation on Transfermarkt. https://www.pinkun.com/norwich-city/negotiations-under-way-for-west-ham-striker-1-6798605
Well he can, but there's also the fact that he's only 5'10", so may not be ideal in the Championship.
Back to Hugill, the price looks like being much more reasonable according to VitalNorwich: "The fee was being quoted at £5m by the media but several people on social media, journalists and “in the know” types, from both clubs, are saying that the fee is much lower than that and that it is actually below £3m and that it would only rise to £5m with a large number of add-ons. I’ve seen a bit of moaning among some Canary Twitter users about Hugill but at that price, and remember that David Moyes paid a reported £10m for him in 2018, he is potentially a great signing. He will add physicality at both ends of the pitch and make us a viable threat in the opposition box in the air." He's also a good fit being 2 years younger than Pukki at 28 which leaves room for Idah to develop. He has had few injuries in his career and knows the Championship well and will bring a robustness to the squad. Hope it happens. https://norwich.vitalfootball.co.uk...er-fee-likely-to-be-much-lower-than-reported/
Is DF going to turn to one big one and one small one as strikers? This has worked well in the past with Holt and Jackson.
More likely strikers with different strengths, as Pukki is 5'11" and Hugill 6'0". Having similarities to Grant Holt, he would be a more physical presence. It's possible Pukki could play off him as a second striker, a role he plays well, or it could be Hugill comes on as a sub as Pukki tires, much like Jordan Rhodes did. There's also Idah if we need another option to break down a packed defence.
Fitzpatrick off to Scotland on loan to Queen of the South: https://the72.co.uk/187408/norwich-city-winger-set-for-move-to-scotland/
I'm surprised at the backlash against Hugill (not so much here), given a lot of it seems to come from the same people who want 4-4-2 and less fancy passing... For me, the West Ham transfer is irrelevant. Their transfer policy is shocking and it's no surprise he didn't fit in there. If he's then available for a fraction of what he would have cost from a Championship side, perfect. Wages might be on the high side, but he's presumably signing because we're confident of shifting Drmic on, who is apparently our highest earner. Hugill's Championship record is decent and there's going to be very few options available at an affordable price with better. He adds experience, physicality and a plan B which works with the type of wingers we have.
Meanwhile on the first day of training, Leitner has posted a video of him training on his own, with a song from Outkast playing in the background... The 10 shirt also appears to have gone to Dowell. No other notable absentees from training as far as I'm aware. Trybull wasn't there, but his wife is expecting to give birth any day now.
I’ve liked the look of Hugill whenever I have seen him. Reminds me a bit ok Holty. I’ think it would be a good buy for us - offers something different up front (bit like Rhodes did).
He wants £35k a week or close so no thanks . https://www.claretandhugh.info/hugills-norwich-switch-hits-snag/
I have only seen Pukki on tv so didn’t realise he was 5’11”. Looks like the Hugill deal is off but surely he wasn’t getting £35k on loan at QPR? Unless his wages were subsidised by West Ham.
We should take any club blog with a grain of salt. The issue of Hugill's PL wages will have been anticipated by SW and Hugill will know that he can't expect the same wages as he had at West Ham, so some compromise will be needed for a deal to be done. SW can find a way if there's some flexibility, so let's wait and see.
If I was on £35k week at West Ham I would probably run my contract down rather than take a pay cut. Naismith springs to mind
We managed it with Bassong apparently - Tottenham agreed to pay the balance of his wages above the new contract he got with us up to the end of his contract with them
