With Harry Darling in the building, Ajax defender Jakov Medic set to join him at Carrow Road, and Norwich City now moving for a new goalkeeper, the Championship outfit cannot be accused of letting the summer window go to waste.
While only champions Leeds United scored more than Norwich City’s 71 league goals in 2024/25, Johannes Hoff Thorup’s side also had the sixth-most porous backline.
So, while retaining the services of star attackers Josh Sargent and Borja Sainz is obviously the priority, improving a poor defensive record may prove equally important as The Canaries look to force their way into the play-off picture.
New boss Liam Manning is delighted to reunite with Harry Darling, therefore. Manager and player worked together at MK Dons a few seasons ago, and are now back together after Darling left Swansea City on a free transfer.
Norwich have agreed a deal for Ajax misfit Jakov Medic, too. EFL Analysis understands that Middlesbrough, West Brom and Birmingham City were interested in the Croatian, but he is expected to join The Canaries instead on a deal rising to £2.5 million.
Now, with focus shifting towards signing a new number one, all the noises coming out of Portugal suggest that Sporting Lisbon will not stand in Vladan Kovacevic’s way.
Vladan Kovacevic of Legia seen during the Polish PKO Bank
Photo by Mikolaj Barbanell/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
Portuguese press talk up Norwich City pursuit for Sporting Lisbon’s Vladan Kovacevic
Norwich have signed Plymouth Argyle’s Daniel Grimshaw already. With Angus Gunn expected to leave, however, a team who finished a lowly 13th in the Championship last season are looking to follow up Grimshaw with another, more expensive goalkeeper.
Jakub Stolarczyk of Leicester City has been linked, alongside Wigan Athletic’s Sam Tickle. The man whose name appears most prominently of all in the gossip columns, however, is the aforementioned Vladan Kovacevic.
Portuguese outlet O Jogo reported at the beginning of June that Norwich were chasing the Sporting CP glovesman.
In an update provided by Leonino, meanwhile, it is claimed that Rui Borges – the man who built on Ruben Amorim’s Primeira Liga-winning legacy at the Estadio Jose Alvalade – does not view Kovacevic as part of his plans going forward.
Leonino add that Norwich have ‘shown the most interest’ of any of Kovacevic’s suitors.
Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim hailed Kovacevic
The 27-year-old Bosnian spent the second half of last season on loan at Polish outfit Legia Warsaw. Sporting would reportedly prefer to sell now rather than agree another temporary deal as they look to recoup the £4 million fee they forked over to Rakov Czestochowa only last summer.
“Kovacevic has important characteristics for our team,” the now-Old Trafford boss Amorim said following the goalkeeper’s arrival in Lisbon, the 6ft 4ins giant understandably renowned for his ability to claim high balls under pressure as well as a passing range which should appeal to Liam Manning.
“[He is] more than prepared [and] experienced.”
Director Ben Knapper confirmed back in May, meanwhile, that Angus Gunn would not be retained. The Scotland stopper had been Norwich’s number one in each of the previous three seasons but the feeling is that a shake up is required between the sticks.
“I spoke with Angus’ agent at the turn of the year,” Knapper told the Pink ‘Un. “We had a conversation at that point where I said, ‘Look, we’re not in a position to offer anything at this point in time. We’re still considering but we understand the risk that comes with that’.
“He’s a huge part of this club with a massive history here. He was so well liked and loved, both internally and, of course, by the fans. So it was always a difficult decision, but one that we felt was the right one for us to try and move forward in a different way.
“He’s been a huge part of the club, and he’ll always be welcome back.”