Features of McBurnie: Five free agents Norwich City has to look at right now

Oli McBurnie fined for drink-driving at 'idiotic' speed | Football News | Sky Sports

This summer at Carrow Road is going to be busy with signings for a manager and players.

If Norwich City wants to strengthen their team for the 2024–2025 season, they should consider some of the talent that is available in the free agent market.

The Carrow Road hierarchy not only had to worry about hiring new employees, but also about the minor detail of selecting a new boss.

David Wagner’s tenure as the Canaries’ manager came to an end with the team’s 4-0 loss to Leeds United in the play-off semifinal second leg. The team is currently searching throughout Europe for a replacement, with the capable Dutch coach Pascal Jansen among the candidates.

The process of adding players to the playing roster will go considerably more smoothly if their next manager is selected soon, but Norwich should still keep an eye on these five free agents.

Ben Johnson

Ben Johnson, a soon-to-be former full-back for West Ham United, would be a welcome addition to this City team, as it has been revealed that Sam McCallum and Dimitris Giannoulis will both go after their present contracts end.

Norwich needs defensive cover in vast areas. His exceptional experience would make a quick improvement to the team.

Ipswich Town, Leeds United, and Southampton are reportedly all interested in signing him, so teams hoping to recruit him can expect competition. It might also be difficult to persuade him to move down to the Championship.

McBurnie

Oli McBurnie, a striker, will now be leaving Sheffield United this summer after his contract expires. However, he did not appear on the roster of players the Blades declared they would not be playing for the 2024–25 Championship, and rumors have it that he has received an offer for a reduced-term extension.

The Canaries must, however, take into account their striking options. According to the Sunday Mirror (19/0, p70), Leeds is reportedly considering making a deal for American forward Josh Sargent.

McBurnie has demonstrated consistency in the second tier. Even if Sargent stayed, any move for him would be wise because he would add more diversity to their present frontline.

Divin Mubama

While McBurnie would be a worthwhile option to consider whether or not the American decides to leave East Anglia, Divin Mubama is a deal to try and set up should Sargent depart.

The 19-year-old forward, one of the top prospects expected to hit the free agent scene, appears certain to be leaving West Ham shortly. In addition, he has already participated in games in the Europa League, Europa Conference League, and Premier League.

It will be difficult to accomplish this for two reasons. Sunderland’s interest, first of all. According to The Athletic, the Black Cats are the favorites to sign Mubama in the summer.

The timing comes in second. By the time they realize it, the youth might have already committed his future elsewhere if Sargent doesn’t move on swiftly.

Josh Knight

For the past few years, Peterborough United has been a factory producing English prospects. Big European teams are showing interest in Josh Knight, a central defender from their most recent hot product group.

According to journalist Will Unwin, the 26-year-old has received a new contract offer from German team Werder Bremen.

Although the idea of playing on the continent would be alluring, Knight—who was a member of the Posh team that advanced to the 23/24 League One playoffs—might find greater comfort in his native nation.

Due to the confirmed departures of center-backs Danny Batth and Ben Gibson this summer, Norwich is in even more need of a player like the 26-year-old.

Dan Potts

The main, obvious problem arising from City’s retained list is defensive cover, given most of the confirmed departures come from that position.

The aforementioned Johnson will help with this, but the Canaries will need a left-back in the first place if Norwich were to sign him due to his versatility.

Dan Potts started 24 games in the 22–23 season, making him a reliable choice for the promotion-winning Luton Town team from the previous year.

Being an experienced player at the level, he would provide more specialized talents on the left side than the West Ham player.