Norwich City Considering Move for Blackburn Winger Tyrhys Dolan
Norwich City are reportedly exploring a potential move for Blackburn Rovers winger Tyrhys Dolan, who is set to become a free agent this summer. According to The Pink Un, Dolan is a prominent name on the Canaries’ summer transfer shortlist amid growing uncertainty surrounding his future at Ewood Park.
Although Norwich are currently without a head coach following the departure of Johannes Hoff Thorup last month, they are believed to be on the verge of appointing Bristol City boss Liam Manning. After formally approaching the Robins earlier in the week, Norwich are expected to finalize Manning’s arrival soon, with an £800,000 compensation package reportedly agreed.
While Manning is yet to officially take charge at Carrow Road, Norwich’s recruitment team, including sporting director Ben Knapper and head of recruitment Lee Dunn, has already begun identifying summer targets—Dolan among them.
Dolan Attracting Interest After Strong Season
Dolan, 23, joined Blackburn from Preston North End in 2020 and has since established himself as a regular fixture in the Rovers squad. He enjoyed his most productive campaign to date in 2023–24, registering seven goals and six assists in 47 appearances and helping Blackburn to a seventh-place Championship finish.
Though Blackburn have offered Dolan a new contract, his current deal expires this summer. Manager Valérien Ismaël remains hopeful of keeping the winger, but Dolan has hinted at a possible departure, citing his ambition to play at the highest level.
“I’m very grateful to Blackburn. The club means a lot to me,” Dolan told The Times. “But it’s a short career, and I’ve always wanted to play at the top level. At this point, I’m a free agent and I believe I can perform anywhere.”
Celtic and Rangers have also been credited with interest in the England youth international, but Norwich have reportedly moved him near the top of their list as they anticipate Borja Sainz’s exit.
Norwich Face Compensation Fee for Dolan
Despite Dolan being out of contract, any club signing him would need to pay a compensation fee due to his age. However, the reported cost is said to be well within Norwich’s financial means.
Should the Canaries succeed in securing Dolan, it would signal real ambition from the club, especially as they are already poised to appoint a manager from a fellow play-off rival. Dolan might not be a like-for-like replacement for Sainz, given his preference for the opposite wing, but his 13 goal contributions last season would boost Norwich’s attack.
With leading scorer Borja Sainz and key striker Josh Sargent both likely to depart, incoming boss Liam Manning will face the challenge of rebuilding Norwich’s forward line. Dolan could be the first of several key additions as the club looks to mount another promotion push.
