Norwich City’s Johannes Hoff Thorup will be aiming to secure Angus Gunn’s signing soon, as his contract expires at the end of the season.
The Canaries’ manager told the PinkUN that contract talks with Gunn and others are “always ongoing,” but with the January transfer market approaching, other clubs are sure to be sniffing around.
Rangers, who have been linked with a move for the Scotland international on several occasions, have the advantage of being able to agree a pre-contract with the keeper in January, six months before his contract expires, which other English clubs are unable to do.
A contract extension before January would be a statement from the Canaries, and if it does not occur, abroad clubs such as the Ibrox team may see it as an ideal time to swoop. They would have an advantage over any English club wanting to make a deal since they would not have to negotiate a fee with Norwich, which should put club officials on notice.
Angus Gunn is a key player for Norwich City
City’s number one’s four-year contract expires on June 30th, 2025, and he has more than proven his worth since his arrival in 2021, playing 95 games since returning to Carrow Road and being a dependable first choice for the team.
However, with the exception of the games against Hull and Watford, Norwich has struggled to finish games convincingly as they migrate away from a David Wagner style of play and towards Johannes Hoff Thorups’ and Gunn’s talents, which have been called upon multiple times this season.
| Angus Gunn stats compared to other Championship goalkeepers, according to FotMob | Rank | |
|---|---|---|
| Clean sheets | 1 | 25th |
| Saves per 90 mins | 2.8 | 13th |
| Save percentage | 70.6% | 14th |
| Goals prevented | -2.1 | 21st |
| Goals conceded per 90 mins | 1.2 | 13th |
The statistics may not be pleasing for Gunn, but with Norwich’s new offensive philosophy and Thorup’s side still maturing, they were bound to concede goals this season.
However, the Norwich City custodian has received praise from both fans and management, with Thorup even going so far as to practically shove the goalie into the spotlight in front of the travelling fans following the Derby victory.
Gunn was forced to leave the game against Hull in the second half due to a rib injury, and despite the extended rest time provided by the international break, he has not played since. He is scheduled to return by mid-November.
Johannes Hoff Thorup’s number one
Gunn’s services have been critical in achieving results this season, and the Canaries have missed him during his injury absence, with George Long’s performances leaving something to be desired by some fans.
However, in addition to being a strong shot-stopper, the Norfolk-born Scotland international is not afraid to move the ball forward quickly, something Hoff Thorup will undoubtedly regard as essential to his style of play. Gunn has played sweeper, providing extra defensive cover as needed while also contributing to play out of the back.
Marcelino Nunez’s goal against Hull began with Gunn claiming a cross and promptly passing the ball into deep middle, demonstrating how effective the Scot can be in build-up.
As the Canaries adjust to Thorup’s style, it will be critical to maintain consistency in key areas. A Gunn departure would also likely compel City to invest on a new first-choice custodian.
The backup
While not in short supply, Norwich City’s roster of top-tier goalkeepers has not been as extensive since Tim Krul’s departure last summer.Long, Angus Gunn’s understudy, has just had his contract with the club extended after joining from Millwall. While a respectable choice for what is unquestionably a difficult position to fill within the squad, the 30-year-old’s efficiency has fluctuated dramatically over his 18 appearances for the club.
Although it is worth noting that Long’s penalty stop against Middlesbrough shifted the tenor of the game, giving City the confidence to fight for a victory.
In the meanwhile, the Canaries have plenty of young potential to fill in the voids.
Vicente Reyes appears to be impressing on loan at Cambridge United, with three consecutive clean sheets, while Archie Mair’s penalty shootout heroics enabled Notts County return to the football league.
However, negotiating a new deal with Gunn must be a top priority for sporting director Ben Knapper. If Norwich City do not win promotion this season, the keeper might be snapped up for free, especially with Rangers on the verge of signing him.
He has shown worthy of the ‘Gunn’ number one shirt that most Norwich City fans hoped he would wear; now it is time to commit to retaining him at Carrow Road.
The prospect of a pre-contract and Rangers’ previous links to the Scotland custodian make it a matter that the East Anglian club must address ahead of January, and given the tight December schedule, it would be best resolved in November.
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