His looping header directed at an open back post in his debut will probably be Ricky van Wolfswinkel’s first and last goal at Norwich City. Dutch media outlet Voetbal International reports the 26-year-old forward is closing in on a £3.5 million deal to send him back to Sporting Lisbon, his club before City hauled in their record signing. The figure has been accepted on both sides, leaving the decision up to van Wolfswinkel moving forward.
To say van Wolfswinkel’s spell in Norfolk was horrid would be an understatement. Once thought to be the prolific scoring machine when he arrived on English shores, the Dutchman struggled throughout the 2013-14 campaign, which saw the Canaries relegated to the Championship. Yet van Wolfswinkel didn’t make the drop, too. Instead he opted for a loan deal to France, joining Ligue 1 side St. Etienne in a yearlong deal. He scored nine goals in 33 total appearances.
Following Norwich’s promotion back to the Premier League, speculation swirled regarding van Wolfwinkel’s future plans with City. After manager Alex Neil rejuvenated defender Sébastien Bassong’s career following a stint at Watford, it was thought Neil could do the same with the record signing striker. Yet it seems he’s not a part of the Canary squad Neil will assemble back in the top flight. Getting a return on investment would be good for City. The five million euros won’t match the original deal, but it could quickly be invested in a new forward. Perhaps the biggest concern now is Norwich’s striking force, or lack thereof, being depleted. Rumours Gary Hooper would leave the club, potentially to his old side Celtic, have circulated around.
At Sporting van Wolfswinkel was nicknamed “O Lobo,” the wolf. When he came to Colney, the 2013-14 away kit launch had a picture saying,” Be afraid of the big bad Wolf.” Ironically, he never scored in that jersey. What will the reports say if the wolf goes back to the only wolf pack he ever felt comfort with?
