The transfer window so far – Norwich City

What they needed

Finishing eleventh represented a significant achievement last season for the Canaries – with Chris Hughton’s debut season bringing about new sense of solidarity and toughness within the side. 

That said, given the congested nature of the Premier League table and as a result of a disappointing final third of the season Norwich were actually in real danger of the drop, right until the final furlongs – wins in their final two games somewhat masking the relegations worries they experienced.

It does not take a genius to work out where they struggled. Only two teams scored less goals, with their top scorer Grant Holt scoring just eight.

Having improved Norwich dramatically defensively during the last transfer window, the aim for Hughton this time round would have undoubtedly have been to add an extra cutting edge to a side who were at times worse than toothless last term.

What they have got so far

Norwich made one of the earliest transfer moves going by snapping up Ricky van Wolfswinkel before last season had even drawn to a close. Some would argue that the big money move was a dangerous philosophy given their top flight status was yet to be secured, however this was a signing too good to turn down.

The Dutchman has the potential to be the perfect tonic to the clubs goal scoring problems – you only have to note his return of 49 goals in the previous three seasons for evidence of that. There are questions of whether van Wolfswinkel will be able to transfer his goals into England, just as there always is when it comes to players making the move to England who have played the majority of their careers in countries such as Holland and Portugal – particularly strikers. Nevertheless, if he can transfer his exploits into the Premier League then Hughton could have pulled off a real master stroke. After all, prior to his move to Sporting Lisbon van Wolfswinkel was being linked to a whole host of clubs in the League’s upper regions.

Van Wolfswinkel is not the only impressive Dutch import to be made by Hughton this summer, for the highly rated Leroy Fer has joined the club from FC Twente. Fer who is a Netherlands international was also one of the stand out performers at the recent under 21 European Championship, so all being well he should prove a real coup for the Canaries. The energetic and powerful midfielder will unquestionably strengthen Norwich in the middle of the park, whilst his record suggests he has the potential to chip in with a goal or two. The only real question marks surrounding him is that Everton pulled out of a move to sign the player due to a medical issue In January so it remains to be seen whether that supposed issue could hinder Fer’s career.

As well as these two big name moves Hughton has also brought in four further players; Javier Garrido, Carlo Nash, Martin Olsson and Nathan Redmond. Signed from Hughton’s ex club Birmingham Redmond is one of the most exciting young English talents around and although last season saw his progress stall, working with Hughton again could well be what he needs to get things back on tract. Olsson should add pace and creativity down the left hand side whilst he has ample Premier League experience under his belt, the Swede has been chased by several top flight clubs so securing his signature highlights impressive work by Norwich.

What they still need?

Norwich have undoubtedly showed real ambition and drive this summer with the signings already made, with the board rewarding Hughton’s impressive shoe string dealings last term with significant financial backing.

Given what has been spent already it is hard to see that many more notable signings coming in. Nevertheless, the rumours are yet to show any sign of let up in regards to a possible move for Celtic’s Gary Hooper. Given that Grant Holt has been sold to Wigan and last season’s lack of goals, another striker to support Van Wolfswinkel does seem a priority, although a big money move for Hooper would come as a shock given the amount spent so far. A more likely option could be Ashley Barnes with Norwich believed to be one of a number of clubs tracking the Brighton striker.

It is believed that Toby Alderweireld turned down the club after a fee had been agreed for the Belgium with Ajax – another move that highlights the growing ambition of the Canaries, given that the defender has been linked to several of Europe’s bigger clubs.

Whatever happens in the remainder of the window these are exciting times to be a Norwich City supporter, and given their impressive dealings so far they should not need to be worrying about scrapping around for whatever they can get come deadline day – whilst if their Alderweireld pursuit is anything to go by there could a few irons in the fire left yet.