With Norwich having been relegated from the Premier League last season, the club can now start the preparations for a Championship campaign.
Business is already well underway for Norwich, although in the wrong direction from the fans point of view. Nathan Redmond and Gary O’Neil have both left the club, to Southampton and Bristol City respectively. Robbie Brady is also heavily expected to sign for Leicester.
Yet, there appears to be no imminent arrivals into Carrow Road anytime soon, which is a worry. Norwich have had three fairly poor summer transfer windows in-a-row now and will be keen to make it four.
They started off slow last summer, and have again this time. But, they may be able to make it up, after all, the transfer window doesn’t officially open until Friday.
Norwich are bound to bring in new signings. Bearing this in mind, here is my ideal XI for Norwich next season, which includes some possible new signings…
Declan Rudd: GK
John Ruddy has had his time at Norwich, he needs to move on as he simply isn’t good enough.
Rudd showed promise when he played in the Premier League and a season in the Championship would help his development immensely.
Ivo Pinto: RB
Pinto came into his own towards the end of last season at right-back, impressing on a number of occasions.
The January signing has become a fan favourite with his lovable social media posts about the club, he seems keen to stay.
Timm Klose: CB
I really think Klose will stay at the club this summer.
It would take a massive bid to lure him away and he seems very happy to stay at the club. If he does, his place is undoubted.
Ryan Bennett: CB
Bennett and Klose formed a very good partnership towards the end of last season. They would be the best defensive partnership in the Championship without a doubt.
Harry Toffolo: LB
With Olsson’s possibly off to Besiktas, Norwich could need a new left-back.
Toffolo has been on the fringes of the first-team for a couple of seasons and this could be his breakthrough year at the club.
Jonny Howson: CDM
No doubting this one. Player of the season last term, will be a starter.
Henri Lansbury: CDM
Norwich have been linked with Lansbury multiple of times in the last few years and he would be a superb addition to the squad.
Norwich’s central midfielders all lack youth and energy, to an extent. The 25-year-old Nottingham Forest midfielder would be the perfect signing.
Johan-Berg Gudmundsson: RM
The Icelandic winger has been linked with a move to Norwich this morning and appears to be a possible replacement for Nathan Redmond.
He topped the Championship assist charts with 13 last season, showing his class in the division. He would be my ideal right-winger option.
James Maddison: CAM
The January signing from Coventry could be given a chance to impress in pre-season by Alex Neil this summer, as he gets ready to fight for his place.
With Wes Hoolahan unable to play twice a week, Maddison looks likely to be the main man next season.
Josh Murphy: LM
With Brady set to join Leicester, there is only one name in my mind for the left wing spot; Josh Murphy.
The academy product should have been part of the first team last season, but was loaned out to MK Dons – where he won player of the season.
He has to be a starter next season.
Steven Fletcher: ST
Norwich have been linked with signing Fletcher this morning on a free transfer and he would be fine addition to Norwich’s squad.
The 29-year-old forward has a decent scoring record at Premier League and international level and could excel in the Championship.
He just pips Cameron Jerome for me as he’s the better goalscorer and all-round player.