Sky Sports Norwich City should have one eye on Aston Villa situation amid Borja Sainz concern

Sky Sports Norwich City should have one eye on Aston Villa situation amid Borja Sainz concern.

Borja Sainz has been in blistering form for Norwich City this season, scoring 15 goals in 18 Championship games. Unsurprisingly, the Spaniard’s impressive form has sparked interest in his services, with Galatasaray strongly connected with a move for the striker. Although the team hopes to maintain Sainz until January, they should keep an eye on Louie Barry’s status, as he might give an answer if the 23-year-old leaves.

Borja Sainz attracting European interest from Galatasaray

Borja Sainz-1

Sainz had only scored six goals in his debut season at Carrow Road, so few anticipated him to be the Championship’s top scorer after 18 matches. Norwich are now the division’s highest scorers, with 35 goals. This is partly due to Sainz’s exploits, as he has scored nearly half of the team’s goals. Given his goalscoring prowess, it’s no wonder that the 23-year-old has piqued the curiosity of European clubs, including Turkish heavyweights Galatasaray. According to Gala Haber, the player has already indicated his wish to join the Turkish team, and Sainz is optimistic about the prospect.

The reports also claim that the Canaries have set a €22m (£18.2m) price tag on the forward in a bid to deter the likes of Galatasaray from making a move.

However, according to Pink Un, Norwich will maintain their stance of keeping the forward, who has 18 months left on his present contract at Carrow Road. While Sainz may stay at Carrow Road beyond January, they should be prepared for any eventuality, with Aston Villa’s Barry on their radar.Norwich should pursue Louie Barry if Sainz departs Carrow Road
Louis Barry of Aston Villa

If Sainz left, Norwich should keep an eye on Barry, who has had his best goal-scoring season on loan at Stockport County. The 21-year-old is on his second loan with the Hatters, having previously scored 13 goals in 17 league games when on season-long loan from Premier League club Aston Villa. Barry has primarily played on the left wing for Stockport, but he can also play striker. He is now League One’s leading scorer, averaging one goal every 99 minutes. Furthermore, the winger is in the top 99 percentile for goal involvement, expected goals, and non-penalty expected goals in League One, making him an enticing option.

Barry’s progress in the third division has piqued the interest of several Championship clubs, with Birmingham World reporting that Villa may recall him in January to sanction a trade. According to the source, Middlesbrough is interested in the winger, while The Star reports that Sheffield Wednesday is one of a ‘boatload’ of clubs interested in Barry. After proving himself in League One, Barry appears to be ready to try himself in the Championship, and Norwich would be an ideal destination for the forward if recalled from his loan.

While a loan move is most likely for the winger, the Canaries might use the proceeds from a potential Sainz sale to fund a permanent deal for Barry.

Borja Sainz and Louie Barry’s 2024/24 league statistics compared – per FootyStats
Statistics Borja Sainz Louie Barry
Appearances 18 17
Goals 15 13
Expected Goals (xG) 12.31 11.91
Goal involvements 17 14
Shot conversion rate 32.56% 32.5%
Assists 2 1

As the January transfer window approaches, speculation over Sainz’s future intensifies, but the Canaries will want to maintain their finest player for the rest of the season. If the club is unable to reject offers for the Spaniard, it must consider a move for Barry, who is unquestionably deserving of a chance in the Championship. Norwich would be an excellent platform for the 21-year-old, whose long-term future could be away from Villa Park.

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