Norwich City has experienced a mixed season under Johannes Hoff Thorup, with the Canaries hovering on the edge of the play-off race. Currently, they are just four points behind West Bromwich Albion, who occupy the final play-off spot, keeping their hopes of a top-six finish alive.
Regardless of their final league position, Norwich is expected to strengthen their squad for the next campaign. With player contracts expiring across the Championship, the club may explore free-agent opportunities. To assess potential targets, Football League World sought insight from Norwich supporter and pundit Zeke Downes on which out-of-contract players might be of interest in the summer.
Norwich City’s Transfer Approach and Free Agent Considerations
Historically, Norwich has taken different approaches to free transfers. Last summer, they opted to pay fees for all five permanent signings while bringing in three loan players. In contrast, the previous summer saw them acquire seven free agents, including Borja Sainz and Shane Duffy, alongside less successful additions like Adam Forshaw and Danny Batth.
The free-agent market can be unpredictable, and clubs must consider why a divisional rival would allow a player to leave without compensation. However, Norwich has often focused on recruiting talent from abroad, particularly South America, making it unlikely they will target many out-of-contract Championship players this summer.
When asked which free agents could tempt Norwich, Downes highlighted Burnley midfielder Josh Brownhill as a potential option. “The only player I could see us considering is Josh Brownhill, maybe. He’s 29 and has great experience, but I’d expect him to get a new contract,” he said.
Beyond Brownhill, Downes doesn’t see many viable targets. While Norwich will likely lose players such as Onel Hernandez, Jacob Sorensen, Angus Gunn, and Tony Springett at the end of the season, he believes the club will focus on international signings rather than Championship free agents.
Notable Free Agents in the Championship
Brownhill is among the most high-profile names potentially available, with Premier League interest from Everton, Wolves, and Brentford. Leeds United full-back Junior Firpo is also set to become a free agent, having reached the end of his four-year contract at Elland Road. Additionally, Blackburn Rovers’ playmaker Tyrhys Dolan is weighing up his options.
Burnley could also see departures, with Connor Roberts and Nathan Redmond approaching the end of their contracts, while West Brom’s Grady Diangana may leave The Hawthorns.
Despite the talent set to hit the market, Downes remains confident in Norwich’s strategy of casting a wider net in global recruitment rather than relying on Championship free agents.
