- Experience is key: Norwood’s Championship and Premier League pedigree make him a valuable asset for any team, especially Sunderland. Leadership qualities: Norwood could bring a sense of maturity and guidance to Sunderland’s youthful squad, complementing the team dynamic. Valuable addition: FLW’s Sunderland fan pundit is convinced that Norwood would be an excellent signing for the team, a no-brainer move. This article is part of Football League World’s ‘Terrace Talk’ series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential
signings and more… With a difficult season now finalised for Sunderland, their attentions can turn to the transfer market and investing into the squad for the 2024/25 campaign. Rumours and speculation are already starting to grow, and now, according to Football Insider, the Black Cats are among the clubs to have registered their interest in signing Sheffield United’s Oliver Norwood. The Blades have confirmed that the 33-year-old will depart Bramall Lane once his contract expires in June, meaning he has already played in his final game for the club, with the South Yorkshire outfit suffering relegation back to the Championship this year, and losing on final day to Spurs at Bramall Lane. However, Sunderland will face competition from Hull City and Watford in the race for the deep playing playmaker during the off-season. Unsurprisingly, that is due to the fact Norwood has plenty of Championship and Premier League experience, having earned promotion to the top-flight twice during his time with Sheffield United. Not only are second tier sides interested, but a number of MLS clubs are also keen on Norwood’s signature, who could opt to make the switch across the Atlantic during the twilight of his career instead of remaining in English football.
| Oli Norwood’s career stats – per Transfermarkt | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Team | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Manchester United | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Carlisle United (loan) | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Scunthorpe United (loan) | 18 | 1 | 0 |
| Coventry City (loan) | 18 | 2 | 2 |
| Huddersfield Town | 90 | 9 | 12 |
| Reading | 92 | 5 | 18 |
| Brighton and Hove Albion | 37 | 0 | 5 |
| Fulham (loan) | 41 | 5 | 3 |
| Sheffield United | 252 | 11 | 21 |
Oli Norwood linked to Sunderland; would be a “great” signing
The metronomic midfielder’s presence has been influential in the Blades’ recent success as a Championship side, having secured two promotions from the second tier over the past five years, and three times in total, which also includes his days with Fulham. The promotion specialist is a man who has been there, seen it, and done it when it comes to the second tier, having played ten seasons at the level during the course of his career, with two ending in promotion to the Premier League. We asked FLW’s Sunderland fan pundit Jack Austwicke his thoughts on the potential signing of Norwood. He said: “I think Oli Norwood would be a great signing. “That’s the kind of experience you need at this level. “Championship experience and a solid, solid player for this level. “He would be a perfect addition into our team. I really hope we do what we can to fend off offers from other clubs. “He would be a perfect Corry Evans replacement and I think we could be all over it. “I’m just a bit worried we’re behind and he might go elsewhere. “But, in my opinion, it’s an absolute no-brainer.”
Read more news on https://sportupdates.co.uk/
Leave a Reply