The beginning of the 2024/25 season marked the start of a new era for Norwich City, following the arrival of new boss Johannes Hoff Thorup.
Thorup’s reign began in the worst conceivable way, with the Canaries losing to newly promoted Oxford United on the first day of the Championship season.
However, things quickly improved at Carrow Road, as the Norfolk side upset League One Stevenage in the EFL Cup, only three days after losing to Oxford.
Thorup subsequently went three games unbeaten in the Championship, including his first second-tier success over Coventry City, but the Canaries’ momentum was hampered by a 4-0 loss to Premier League Crystal Palace in the EFL Cup second round.
Norwich then had a fairly successful September, including a 4-1 win over fellow play-off contenders Watford and a 3-2 win at Derby County.
But since then, the Norfolk club has struggled for consistency, winning only one game in October, a spectacular 4-0 victory against Hull City.
Thorup and co. began November with three consecutive defeats at the hands of Cardiff City, Sheffield Wednesday, and Bristol City, and will be relieved to see the start of the international break.
As the Canaries seek more consistency in their pursuit of a play-off berth, Football League World examines what their ideal January transfer window may look like.
Borja Sainz stays
First and foremost, Thorup must keep his star player, who has double-digit goals and assists this season, with a hat-trick in the Derby victory demonstrating his class.
Borja Sainz also scored for his team in a recent 2-1 defeat against Cardiff, demonstrating his ability to deliver results even when his team is underperforming.
According to Turkish publication Sabah, Galatasaray are interested in the Spaniard, which is a potential threat given that the Süper Lig giants signed Gabriel Sara from the Canaries over the summer, and he is performing well for Okan Buruk’s side.
Given Sainz’s prolific nature, losing a skilled player like him would be extremely detrimental to the Canaries’ quest for a playoff position.
Richard Kone signs
Aside from Sainz, Norwich’s major goal threat is striker Josh Sargent, who scored 16 goals and provided two assists in just 28 Championship outings last season after returning from a lengthy absence due to ankle surgery.
And, after only 12 second-tier appearances this season, the USA international was back at it, scoring four goals and assisting five times, but has unfortunately suffered another injury setback.
Given Sargent’s proclivity for injury, the Canaries need a reliable backup striker in case their star striker is sidelined for any additional time.
One such alternative may be Wycombe Wanderers forward Richard Kone, who has been in excellent form in League One this season and scored a hat-trick against Peterborough United in October.
He could be ready to make the jump to the Championship, and even though he is only 21, his services would be a long-term commitment.
Tamas Nikitscher signs
According to Hungarian newspaper Nemzeti Sport, the Canaries are interested in acquiring Kecskemeti TE midfielder Tamas Nikitscher, but will face competition from fellow Championship clubs Middlesbrough and Coventry.
Fending off second-tier competitors for an international player who represented Hungary against Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Netherlands last month may be viewed as a significant transfer triumph for Thorup and co., assuming they can strike an agreement with the 25-year-old.
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