So why, as they've made a rapid start to their transfer business in a vital summer for their future, has a new batch of wingers not been an immediate priority for Ben Knapper and his recruitment team?
That's the question many supporters have asked as City have focused on rebuilding a goalkeeping department already crammed even before Plymouth's Dan Grimshaw arrived earlier this month. It's an understandable one.
What almost everyone who watched Norwich last season agrees upon is that the defence needed a revamp. The view in the Colney corridors was that both keepers and those in front of them were responsible. More goals were conceded last term than when they were relegated from the Championship in 2009, and there was a necessity to act.
Beating a range of competition to Harry Darling's signatured constituted that action, with Grimshaw shortly joined by Crystal Palace stopper [Louie Moulden](https://www.pinkun.com/sport/norwich-city/25242810.norwich-city-close-louis-moulden-signing-keeper-revamp/) and defender [Jakov Medic](https://www.pinkun.com/sport/norwich-city/25248811.norwich-city-leading-race-ajaxs-jakov-medic---reports/) seemingly next. What's more peculiar is the decision to focus on a central midfield area already boasting nine options.
The Canaries have been very active in the defensive department, signing Harry Darling from Swansea _(Image: Norwich City FC)_
Perhaps part of that comes down to Liam Gibbs, who according to a squad depth chart spotted by eagle-eyed fans in a recent behind the scenes video is seen as a right-back option. That leaves another space, although eight players is still a lot to carry in the engine room.
Some of it comes down to timing, and that's where the first real reason for delaying a winger search presents itself. Although the futures of some of those midfielders are uncertain - a few look like they need loans and Marcelino Nunez is out of contract next summer - none are likely to attain significant fees.
In wide areas the circumstances are entirely different. With £12.7million bids already rejected for Sainz, the heft of financial power set to come from his eventual sale is clear. Although Mark Attanasio's Norfolk Holdings group have the money to fund signings regardless, in terms of the financial rules governing City's activity, that's a major bonus.
It's one that could even transform the sort of replacement brought in, although many prospective targets have already been assessed. One of them is Dobbin, the ambiguity around whom is another reason for delay.
Lewis Dobbin's future is up in the air _(Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)_
Both the 22-year-old and his brief former employers are currently on the fence about a potential return; he was a big Johannes Hoff Thorup disciple and Norwich have pondered his susceptibility to injury after a campaign detrimentally packed full of them for their squad.
One other key element fans have pondered is Liam Manning’s system. At various points in his career he’s used formations with and without wingers, his Bristol City side last term operating with ‘number 10s’ and wing-backs rather than traditional flyers. Logic follows, then, that he may not need as many.
But that explanation may be slightly misguided when it comes to a pragmatic coach like Manning. Given his willingness to adapt from game to game, from half to half, a group restricted to one formation would likely restrict the tactical creativity he counts as a significant strength. Take into account how highly rated the £5.8million Jurasek is and that reasoning takes another blow.
Much of the discussion simply comes down to how much there is to do. By next week it's likely to be five first-team signings already, and Knapper only has a certain amount of time and bandwidth to sacrifice. A lack of activity on wingers thus far doesn't mean it won't come.
With more than two months still left of the window, it seems inevitable that wide men will come into play before long. If their defensive reset is anything to go by, City will move quickly when they do.