Assessing Which Players Could Leave Norwich & How Much They Will Cost

14 July 2020 20:15

Norwich's relegation from the Premier League was confirmed in perhaps the worst possible way - a 4-0 defeat at home to another relegation-threatened side.


The Canaries have picked up just 21 points from 35 games so far in 2019/20 and have a goal difference of -47. Indeed, Daniel Farke's men have scored the fewest goals of any Premier League side, while they have also conceded the most goals (despite the best efforts of Aston Villa and Bournemouth to claim this record).


But while it has been an underwhelming season to say the very least, there are a number of players n Norwich's side who have attracted the attention of a number of top clubs.


Here, 90min takes a look at where they may end up going and how much they will cost...


1. Max Aarons

Max Aarons has attracted plenty of attention

While Norwich's defensive record this season can be considered fairly horrific, young Max Aarons has been a very consistent performer at right-back throughout the season. Aged just 20, Aarons has been a key figure for the Canaries, starting 33 of his side's 35 league games.

A willing runner who enjoys getting forward to support attacks, Aarons has acted as a valuable outlet on the right for Norwich. Of course, he is still young and there are still areas for improvement, but his potential is undoubted and, therefore, it's hardly a surprise to see him linked with a number of Premier League sides.

Arsenal, Tottenham and West Ham have all been linked with a £30m move, but a move to Everton could prove very beneficial for all parties. It remains to be seen whether the Toffees will look to sign Djibril Sidibe on a permanent basis, while Seamus Coleman is the wrong side of 30 as far as the club should be concerned.

Aarons would suit Carlo Ancelotti's style of play, adding some much needed pace and youth to a team that have struggled defensively this season. Money also would likely not be an issue.

Most Suitable Destination: Everton

Likely Cost: £25m


2. Ben Godfrey

Norwich are said to want around £50m for Godfrey

Norwich's sporting director Stuart Webber recently explained how the Canaries will be tough to negotiate with as their star men have no less than three years remaining on their current deals, while young British talents (such as Ben Godfrey) will cost more.

It's even been suggested Norwich will demand no less than £50m for Godfrey, despite the current climate.

This figure is...well, unrealistic, especially considering Norwich's defensive record in 2019/20. Starting 27 of his side's 35 league games so far this campaign, 22-year-old Godfrey has played with a maturity beyond his years, leading the defensive line. But equally, he is most definitely not the finished article just yet, and it would be very hard to envisage a scenario where a club would pay £50m for his services in these times.

Nonetheless, he has all the attributes to develop into a top central defender under the right guidance, and he's been linked with Arsenal, Liverpool, Newcastle and Tottenham, as well as Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig.

With Newcastle's prospective new owners set to target British talent, Godfrey could be a useful long-term addition. St. James' Park could be just the place for him to continue his development.

Most Suitable Destination: Newcastle United

Likely Cost: £28m


3. Jamal Lewis

Lewis enjoys getting forward to support attacks

Jamal Lewis has, like Aarons, been adventurous from full-back, getting forward and looking to support attacks. But Farke's system has perhaps allowed Lewis and Aarons too much freedom to race forward, leaving the defensive exposed.

It has been a season filled with promising moments for Lewis, but also experiences he has learned from. The 22-year-old's performances haven't gone unnoticed this term, with Liverpool, Leicester and Crystal Palace among the interested parties.

Crystal Palace are particularly keen, but Lewis' most suitable destination would be Leicester. Whether Ben Chilwell stays put remains to be seen, but Lewis would be a valuable squad addition - either as a regular starter if Chilwell leaves, or providing competition if he stays. The Northern Ireland international fits the Foxes' style of play perfectly, and his development would be aided by a move to King Power.

Likely Destination: Leicester

Likely Cost: £20m


4. Emi Buendia

Buendia's vision and creativity has seen him earn plenty of praise

Perhaps the most likely to leave, Emi Buendia has been a shining light in a very difficult season for Norwich.

Buendia has created 81 chances in the Premier League this season, the fourth most of any player. It's also worth noting that he has played fewer minutes than the three players ahead of him (Kevin De Bruyne, Jack Grealish and Trent Alexander-Arnold).

Creative, versatile and still just 23, Buendia should be playing at the highest level. He's been linked with a number of top clubs, most recently Atletico Madrid, but a move to Arsenal may suit him and the north London outfit very well.

As a technically gifted playmaker, who also works hard without the ball, Buendia could thrive under Mikel Arteta. The Gunners are in need of a creative midfielder now that Mesut Ozil is an outcast, while the club may also struggle to sign Dani Ceballos permanently. Buendia ticks all the boxes, and he would likely cost much less than other players with his quality.

Most Suitable Destination: Arsenal

Likely Cost: £25m


5. Todd Cantwell

Todd Cantwell works tirelessly for his side

He may not be every football fan's favourite player, but Todd Cantwell has produced some real moments of quality this season - and looks set to move on to bigger and better things once the transfer window opens.

Six goals and two assists in the league in 2019/20 may not exactly be phenomenal, but it is his versatility, tenacity, work ethic and technical ability that make him such a well-rounded footballer. Among the interested parties are Liverpool - and a move to Anfield would make plenty of sense.

With Adam Lallana on his way out and Xherdan Shaqiri likely to follow, Jurgen Klopp will be in need of reinforcements - but the Reds aren't looking to spend big, while they are also keen to not disrupt the progress of their young stars.

This, mixed with Cantwell's attributes, makes him the ideal purchase. A useful squad member with all the attributes needed to succeed under Klopp, and one who wouldn't break the bank, Liverpool should be looking to sign the 22-year-old.

Most Suitable Destination: Liverpool

Likely Cost: £22m



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Source: 90min