Alex's NCFC transfer round-up – Jurasek and Selvik incoming?

01/04/2025 03:16 AM

Over the next few weeks, every swinging appendage will have its say on who’s coming and who’s going from their club.

I’ve scoured some recent blogs, papers, and online posts and have picked out some concerning Norwich. Some may have legs, and some may be the product of someone’s imagination, so please be gentle with me in the replies.

Firstly we must remember that even with new owners money might still be tight unless good offers come in for our better players… Borja Sainz is the obvious one. At this time, I’m counting out Josh Sargent as any respectable club would wait until the summer to see how he fares on his return from injury but there is always the chance of an offer from an MSL team willing to take a risk.

With the MSL being less physical than the Championship, it might be a good option for him and for City to consider.

So, here are said rumours with my comments on each one.

1) Carlton Palmer has claimed that Reading centre-back Tyler Bindon would be a shrewd addition for Norwich City in January if Grant Hanley does depart the club. 

He is 19 years old, so would increase our homegrown talent pool but the question would have to be, is he any better than Emmanuel Adegboyega, Brad Hills or others we have at the club? He has had plenty of game time this season due to the financial difficulties at Reading.

If he did sign, he would join the list of potential future stars. 

2) Borja Sainz to Athletic Bilbao

He was born in the Basque region and was in Athletic's youth system between 2012 and 2017. His current deal lasts until 2026 and, despite his fine displays, reports were originally claiming he's valued at €2m (what a joke – Ed). This is within the La Liga side's reach and it makes his signing affordable for them.

This originated from the Spanish press.

I think there’s potential in him returning to Spain just as much as there is in him joining Galatasaray, but I would expect the fee to be several times the one quoted.

I can see a January deal being possible if a club is willing to pay £20m-plus to get a jump on other interested parties, maybe with a sale-to-stay option, although would we then get the best version of Sainz? Or just someone playing out his time?

3) Christian Fassnacht has completed a permanent return to Swiss side Young Boys, ending an 18-month spell with City. 

I was sure this one had legs when I first saw the news a few weeks ago, and his leaving for a free transfer frees up wages for incoming players. 

4) City are stepping up their pursuit of Slavia Prague winger Matej Jurasek currently valued at €6m.

This one doesn’t seem to be going away and looks very much like the Sainz replacement if a deal can be done.

Some papers are saying the hold-up is around agreeing on a payment schedule, and then the player and his agent will be invited to watch a City game, and have a tour of Colney and the city before making a final decision.

So watch this space!

5) Brazilian defender Marlon is an active target for the approaching January transfer window.

City have denied any interest in this player but is that a ruse to put off any other interested clubs?

I’m inclined to think this doesn’t have legs at this time. Also, the reported €10m fee seems a bit high.

6) City are interested in bringing Norwegian goalkeeper Egil Selvik to Carrow Road in January.

According to reports from Alan Nixon, the 27-year-old could be in line for a move to the Canaries, with his contract at Norwegian side FK Haugesund expiring imminently.

This could be the end of Angus Gunn’s love affair at City, with no new deal yet being agreed. There have been rumours that talks have been going on for months but who knows?

Gunny’s recent form has been generally poor but he is still better than George Long’s, so maybe he needs a new challenge.

Selvik is one year younger and is familiar with the Thorop style of playing out from the back. He’s also a free agent and wants a new challenge, so is a good fit for City’s plans.

Another to add to the ‘watch this space’ column.

7) Ashley Barnes to Sheffield United

Except, as we now know, he didn’t go to join Chris Wilder and co. A free transfer to Burnley is already done and dusted.

8) Anis Ben Slimane deal to be made permanent

Will his loan be made permanent at a reputed £1.5m with the possibility of add-ons?

If this can be made a permanent deal in January it releases a loan signing position, so maybe a deal could be done.

9) Emiliano Marcondes’ short-termdeal ends on 1st June

He’s shown enough for the club to try their best to get a long-term deal done. Hopefully, it can be done this month or before any other interested parties try and steal him away.

We have Grant Hanley and Shane Duffy, both experienced campaigners in this league, but neither looks likely to be starters next season, and Johammes Hoff Thorop has indicated that if Hanley wants more game time he needs to ask to leave.

Duffy has overtaken Hanley as a first-team starter (I’d personally prefer it the other way around) and has another year on his contract, but I can’t see him being part of next season, so – like Hanley – he might be allowed to leave.

Onel Hernandez has a one-year option. He is unlikely to get many starting berths and will be used as an impact sub late on in games, so will that option be taken up? Again, only time can tell.

One deal done for the incoming column is a loan player from Aston Villa – Lewis Dobbin. Will this mean Kaide Gordon will be returning to Liverpool or that our interest in the young Jurasek has come to an end? Another space to watch.

Lastly, a rumour coming out of Leeds is that Daniel Farke is trying to convince Aston Villa to loan him Emi Buendia with an option to buy if they are promoted. Now that would be something to watch out for. Maybe we could even see another link-up with Teemu Pukki

I’ll take this opportunity to wish everyone at MFW a happy and prosperous New Year and hope we start 2025 with a second consecutive win and kickstart a late push for a play-off place.

I hope too that Sainz sees out a successful season at City and that any incoming players get a great welcome, As for those that have or might still depart, I thank you for your endeavours and wish you a successful career (except when you come up again a City team).

OTBC