Norwich City
What’s changed in 12 weeks?
The Championship winners have returned to the Premier League with far more experience and quality than two years ago. Manager Daniel Farke has smashed the club’s transfer record with the £9.5 million capture of Milot Rashica. Norwich have recruited shrewdly, focusing on quality, experience and athleticism. Stuart Webber is a highlyrated sporting director, recruiting talent on a sensible budget to give Farke the best chance.
Who has it all to prove?
Billy Gilmour (right) has only recently turned 20 and, inevitably, there will be a lot of attention on the Chelsea loanee. He was outstanding in Scotland’s Euro 2020 encounter with England and arrives with an excellent reputation. Chelsea regard Norwich as the perfect club for him. It will be interesting to see how he progresses with regular games.
Most exciting prospect
Milot Rashica arrived for a club-record fee and there are high hopes for the Kosovan to prove a success. He was targeted by Norwich two years ago but the impact of Covid-19 on the transfer market made him more attainable. He will start as a wide forward and cut in to impact central areas.
Success would be...
Norwich will have their sights higher, but if you could guarantee Farke 17th place now, he would take it.
Failure would be… Norwich detest their reputation as a yo-yo club, yet it is accurate and the last thing they want is to drop back down to the Championship. Again.
Managerial axe rating
1/5. Farke is virtually bullet-proof. Norwich stuck by him when relegated and he recently signed a new contract. Even if they are cut adrift, Norwich are likely to stick with the German, given the way he has worked and the fact he has won them promotion once.
Player of the year will be…
Max Aarons would be pushing for an England place if Gareth Southgate did not have three right-backs in his squad, not forgetting Trent Alexander-arnold. Aarons, who plays for the Under-21s, needs a season of regular football to showcase his ability.
Major ins Milot Rashica (Werder Bremen, £9.5m), Billy Gilmour (Chelsea, loan), Angus Gunn (Southampton, £5m), Josh Sargent (Werder Bremen, £8m).
Major outs Emi Buendia (£33m, Aston Villa).