Norwich City winger Borja Sainz has reportedly entered discussions with Athletic Bilbao regarding a potential summer transfer.
With another period of transition looming at Carrow Road — including a change in manager and likely player turnover — Norwich City are preparing for another reshuffle as they aim to climb back up the Championship table. After parting ways with Johannes Hoff Thorup before the season concluded, Bristol City boss Liam Manning is now the frontrunner to take over.
Among the expected player departures is Borja Sainz, who has been strongly tipped to leave this summer. According to The Pink Un, citing Catalan sources, Sainz has held talks with Athletic Bilbao, with the winger having returned to the Basque Country for the Europa League Final last Wednesday. While there, he reportedly met with Athletic’s sporting director Mikel Gonzalez.
Sainz’s representatives had already discussed his future with Norwich officials late in the season, and a return to Spain appears likely — with Villarreal also said to be interested. The 24-year-old, born in the Basque town of Leioa, began his career in Athletic Bilbao’s youth system.
A Likely Departure
While there may still be faint hopes within Norwich of retaining Sainz, it appears increasingly inevitable that he will move on. His 18 goals and four assists across 41 Championship appearances have significantly boosted his value, and with his contract expiring in 2026, this summer could be the ideal time for Norwich to cash in.
Having initially joined the club on a free transfer, any substantial fee from his sale would represent a strong return on investment.
Boost for Manning?
If Liam Manning is appointed as the new head coach, the funds from a Sainz transfer could support a squad rebuild. While losing a key player like Sainz might be disappointing, the potential revenue from his sale would provide the incoming manager with greater flexibility in the transfer market.
Norwich have already benefitted from solid financial backing, and this added influx could allow Manning — should he accept the role — to reshape the team in his vision, possibly helping to lure him away from Bristol City after an impressive 2024/25 campaign.
