Norwich City and Ben Knapper may have Shane Duffy, Kenny McLean succession plan in place.

It was a deadline-day rush at Norwich City, with two young players arriving to set up Ben Knapper’s long-term plans.

The late scramble to bring in Rauiri McConville and Jacob Wright has created a lot of interest among Norwich fans, and rightfully so. It’s business that, like practically all of Knapper’s signings, is performed with an eye towards next season and beyond; but, these signings in particular appear to be the replacements for two ageing club servants – Kenny McLean and Shane Duffy.

Rauri McConville will likely be Shane Duffy’s understudy

McConville has been brought in for a reputed £1 million fee from Brighton, which may rise to little shy of £3 million. Fans will undoubtedly be thrilled to see the club putting its money where its mouth is by bringing in young, intriguing players. The fact that he has been signed on a five-year contract is yet another show of intent from Knapper and the club’s management. He appears to be a long-term member of Johannes Hoff Thorup’s back line. Following his arrival, McConville stated: “I like the way Johannes plays. It’s extremely unique to play from the back, and maybe I can fit in and add something that can only help us improve.”

It’s also a contract that makes a lot of sense for Duffy, who has become an essential member of Thorup’s team but is nearing the conclusion of his career rather than the start. There are clear similarities between the two, both being tall and physically imposing with an eye for a heading opportunity, but McConville appears to be better suited to Thorup’s approach, whereas Duffy has had to adapt his game to stay up. The Irishman has more than met and perhaps exceeded everyone’s expectations, from coaches to fans. He’s been so reliable that he’s already played 2,692 minutes this season.

Duffy has also served as a mentor to the younger defenders this season. Thorup commented: “He’s been supportive of the younger players” whilst “he’s a big part of the group because he’s a leader” . With the experienced centre-back in his corner, McConville is in a great position to grow as a player and eventually assume his place in the back line.

Jacob Wright could fill Kenny McLean’s role in the future

A late-night deadline-day deal is always intriguing, but when Wright’s name was mentioned, Norwich fans had a strong reaction. He joined the Canaries on loan, with the option of purchasing at the end of the season. As a loanee from Manchester City, he is already well-known. When you learn that Pep Guardiola personally vetoed the youngster’s summer exit, the signing feels even more amazing.

 

Knapper has previously stated: “He is an extremely talented young player who we have been aware of and tracked for quite some time.” Clearly, the Norwich Chiefs may be hoping to see him in yellow and green after the summer. Fans have been demanding for a defensive midfielder since Alex Tettey left the club at the end of the 2020/21 season, resulting in a long-standing call for Ollie Skipp to return, or someone similar. Well, Wright may be just that. Club captain McLean has taken on the defensive midfield role and, in many respects, has become the heart of the side, regardless of management or squad changes. He’s a player who’s found a home at Norwich since signing in 2018 and has been one of their most important players in theLast couple seasons. He reinforced his status as a club legend by earning Player of the Season last year.

McLean appears to have improved with age, but at 33, there is only so much he can do, which is why the Wright deal is such a great deal. It allows the Scot to transmit the mantle to some young blood to carry on his legacy. It comes with a huge caveat, however; his parent club has already expressed their desire to keep him, and Manchester City may throw a wrench in the works if they believe his services are necessary next season – such is the dilemma with these young loanees. If Norwich reach the play-offs or thereabouts this season, the club executives may be able to convince him that Carrow Road should be his permanent home.home. It would do plenty for those young players to buy into the so-called “project” in Norfolk, making them an attractive choice for the likes of Wright.

January was a successful transfer window all around

How Knapper has shaped the squad over the January transfer window must be applauded.

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