Norwich City winger Borja Sainz has emerged as a transfer target for Villarreal, with the Spanish side reportedly preparing an £11.5 million bid, according to Fichajes.
The Canaries are gearing up for a busy summer following the end of the 2024/25 season, which saw them finish 13th in the Championship. Despite a dominant final-day win over relegated Cardiff City, it capped off a challenging second half of the campaign. Although there were brief hopes of a playoff push under manager Johannes Hoff Thorup, the club has since decided to make a managerial change, with Thorup departing and his successor yet to be named.
Attention is now turning to potential player exits, and Sainz is among those attracting significant interest. The 24-year-old has impressed throughout the season, drawing links with a move away from Carrow Road for several months.
Now, Villarreal are strongly interested and could table a formal offer of £11.5 million for the Spanish winger, who is entering the final year of his contract. Athletic Bilbao are also keeping tabs on him, given that Sainz was born in Leioa in the Basque Country and meets their signing criteria.
Sainz enjoyed a standout 2024/25 campaign, registering 19 goals and four assists in 43 appearances. Playing primarily on the left wing, his ability to cut inside onto his right foot and deliver powerful finishes made him one of the Championship’s most dangerous attackers. His efforts earned him a place in the division’s Team of the Season alongside teammate Josh Sargent.
Norwich City could face several high-profile departures this summer, especially after falling short of a promotion challenge. Players like Sainz, who have shown the potential to thrive at a higher level, are expected to attract strong interest. With his contract expiring next summer, selling him now would allow Norwich to avoid losing him on a free transfer and reinvest the funds into the squad.
Josh Sargent is also expected to move on, while midfielder Marcelino Nunez could attract interest too, with his deal up at the end of the 2025/26 season.
