Sky Sports Daniel Farke claimed Norwich City recruit was “good fit” – that was an understatement.
Teemu Pukki was one of Norwich City’s most impactful attackers.
The Finland international made some unforgettable moments at Carrow Road, as the team alternated between the Championship and the Premier League over five seasons.
Pukki adjusted perfectly each time, remaining with the club even after relegation.
In retrospect, former Norwich manager Daniel Farke’s views about Pukki, who joined on a free transfer, appear understated.
Farke could not have imagined how significant Pukki would be.
Farke and Norwich took a chance on Pukki, who was signed on a free transfer from Danish side Brondby after playing for Schalke and Celtic.
Farke expressed satisfaction with his new signing. Teemu seemed like a fantastic fit for our concepts because he is a technical player with excellent mobility skills.
“He’s also really fast, which is vital. He was always able to provide goals and assists no matter where he played.
“He’s a brilliant character as well so we are very pleased to have him with us.”
Farke’s statements may have been rather optimistic at the time, given his track record, but in retrospect, they represent only a fraction of the influence Pukki would have in actuality.
Pukki’s signing will surely be remembered as one of the best transactions the Canaries have ever made, thanks in part to the inexpensive cost of the move and the surprise influence he had, which Farke could never have imagined from the start.
Pukki did not take long to introduce himself on Carrow Road.
Norwich quickly recognised Pukki’s potential, as he scored 29 goals and supplied 10 assists in 43 Championship games since joining.
That campaign laid the groundwork for a successful stay at Norwich.
| Pukki’s career before Minnesota move, as per Transfermarkt | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Teams | Apps | Goals | Assists |
| Norwich City | 210 | 88 | 29 |
| Brondby IF | 164 | 72 | 23 |
| FC Schalke 04 | 47 | 8 | 3 |
| Celtic | 38 | 9 | 3 |
| HJK Helsinki | 33 | 18 | 10 |
| Sevilla Atletico | 33 | 3 | 0 |
| FC KTP | 29 | 3 | 6 |
| Sevilla | 1 | 0 | 0 |
His goals helped the Canaries secure their first of two promotions, and he also acclimated well to Premier League life.
Although he excelled in the Championship, he also scored 11 goals in both Premier League seasons, despite being part of a failing Norwich team.
He is unquestionably a modern legend in Norwich.
Pukki made 210 appearances for the Canaries, scoring 88 goals and supplying 29 assists.
It’s an impressive record given some of the adversity he faced with the team when facing relegation from the Premier League.
But he will always be welcomed back to Norwich for his pivotal part in two dream promotions, as well as the experiences he created for supporters along the road, cementing his place in Carrow Road history.
With that magnificent stretch behind us, it’s easy to conclude Pukki was more than just the “good fit” Farke projected.
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