“Not-too-distant future” – Norwich City chief deals major Preston North End transfer blow.
Ben Knapper, Norwich City’s sporting director, has revealed that the club hopes to announce the permanent transfer of Manchester City loanee Jacob Wright “in the not-too-distant future”.
The 19-year-old midfielder has four assists in 15 games for the Canaries this season and has expressed interest in a permanent move to Carrow Road.
After Johannes Hoff Thorup’s sacking in April and Jack Wilshere’s departure as interim manager, Carrow Road is expected to see significant changes this summer.
Norwich’s failure to reach the play-offs resulted in Thorup’s dismissal. To improve next season and finish in the top six, the club must retain their talented players.
Wright has been praised for his performance and has the potential to help City advance.
Norwich City manager Ben Knapper reveals the Canaries are closing in on Jacob Wright’s transfer – Preston dealt blow.
Norwich City’s sporting director confirmed to Pink Un via YouTube that the club hopes to sign the England Under-20 midfielder.
“Look, he has been fantastic. You’ve seen all the games and the impact he’s had. Knapper continued, “He’s grown consistently since he came here.”
“But I think what I’d say about Jacob is that it’s what he brings on a daily basis and in general. Even at the games, you could hear him on the pitch.
“We’re talking about a young man who, in terms of senior football experience, is just getting started, but you’d never know it based on the way he carries himself and approaches his work on a daily basis. He has enormous leadership potential.
“Look, of course, we’re in a great position with that. So I hope to have some news for you on that in the near future.
Preston North End fans may be disappointed, as journalist Alan Nixon recently revealed that the club was also interested in signing Wright during the winter window and possibly in the summer.
Knapper assured Pink Un that the current lack of a manager would not affect the recruitment process.
“Recruitment is huge right now. It’ll be another busy summer, but we’re ready for it. That is a point worth repeating.
“Our strategy was never, and will never be, about a single person. It is not the head coach. It is not me. Our strategy is based on organisational principles that we want to move towards, such as player development, trading, and playing in a specific way, and these things will remain in place.
“Whilst the head coach may be plugged out and plugged in, nothing changes in terms of our broader direction and what we’re trying to do.”
Jacob Wright could be a £2.3 million bargain for Norwich City.
Norwich City loaned Wright to Carrow Road in February and included a permanent buy option in the deal with Manchester City.
PinkUn reported a price of £2.3 million plus add-ons, which appears to be a bargain based on his performance in the second half of the season.
| Jacob Wright’s 24/25 Championship stats – per FotMob | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appearances | Assists | Dribble success | Tackles won | Avg. match rating |
| 15 | 4 | 83.3% | 74.1% | 7/10 |
During the second half of the season, the teenager was a rock in Norwich’s midfield, displaying exceptional tackling, dribbling, and chance-creation abilities.
The England youth international appears to have all of the tools to become a true star central midfielder of the future, and for a little more than £2 million, he could be one of the best deals in Norwich City history in recent years.
If Wright reaches his full potential as a Norwich player, he has the potential to generate significant profits for the club in the future. With the departure of Gabriel Sara last summer, Wright could be the ideal long-term replacement.
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