Peterborough Owner Suggests Emmanuel Fernandez Rejected Norwich Move Due to Timing
Peterborough United owner Darragh MacAnthony believes Emmanuel Fernandez turned down a move to Norwich City because he felt it was too soon in his career.
Norwich City were active in the winter transfer window, making five new signings—two on loan and three permanent—as they shaped the squad under Johannes Hoff Thorup. A significant investment went into signing Matej Jurasek from Slavia Prague, while Anis Slimane joined permanently after a loan spell. Ruairi McConville also arrived on a full-time deal, while Lewis Dobbin and Jacob Wright signed on temporary terms.
However, one deal that didn’t materialize was for Peterborough United centre-back Emmanuel Fernandez. Reports suggested an agreement was in place for the 23-year-old to join Norwich, but the transfer collapsed, and he remained with Peterborough.
Now, MacAnthony has opened up about the situation. Speaking on his podcast The Hard Truth (quotes via Peterborough Telegraph), he admitted he was surprised by Fernandez’s decision to stay but believes the defender wasn’t ready for such a step.
“We accepted a deal from Norwich City for Manny,” MacAnthony said. “It was a fantastic deal for both the club and the player, allowing him to return to us on loan for the remainder of the season. Norwich are a forward-thinking club that develops lower-league talent.
“The plan was for him to move in the summer, benefit from their coaching, and play in their first team before potentially progressing to a club like Brentford. He’s the type of centre-half they go for—big and strong.
“But it was shocking to me and my manager when Manny and his brothers rejected the deal. He had suffered a concussion before the offer came in, and I wondered if that was affecting his decision.
“I drove to the training ground and spoke to him, explaining what a massive opportunity it was. Norwich are one of the best clubs in the Championship, and we’ve sold five players to them in the past who have all gone on to win promotions. But I believe Manny was nervous and felt it was too soon.”
A Player for the Future
Fernandez has shown flashes of brilliance for Peterborough United this season and is widely regarded as a promising talent. However, he remains a raw prospect with room for development.
Given that he has only made 33 league appearances at EFL level, a move to Norwich City in January may have been premature.
Norwich’s Transfer Strategy
Norwich City’s recruitment since last summer has indicated a clear approach—focusing on signing young players with potential to develop into valuable assets. Of all their signings this season, only Emiliano Marcondes (29) has been over 23, highlighting their long-term vision.
Fernandez fits that profile, and while he passed on the opportunity this time, MacAnthony believes Norwich could return for him in the summer.
