Midfielder Sam Field has proven to be a shrewd acquisition for Philippe Clement since his deadline day move to Norwich City from Queens Park Rangers.
The 27-year-old’s loan – completed with just seconds to spare – was pushed for by Clement after the injury to Pelle Mattsson against Middlesbrough in January.
In Mattsson’s absence, Field has become City’s ‘steady Eddie’, offering a willingness to do the unsexy stuff in the middle of the park.
Such has been his impact in just five league games that Canary fans are already weighing up the possibility of signing Field on a permanent transfer in the summer.
His calmness and physicality has even led to tongue-in-cheek comparisons from some fans to legendary Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets.
Field is the latest in a long line of on-loan players to win over Canary hearts in recent years.
I’ve embarked on a trip down memory lane and taken a look at five former City loanees I wish we’d have signed in recent years.
Oliver Skipp
A vital cog in Daniel Farke’s midfield during the 2020/21 title-winning season, Oliver Skipp played all but one of City’s league games during that campaign.
Forming a rock-solid partnership with Kenny McLean, it’s a crying shame that the majority of fans didn’t get to see Skipp play in person.
It’s widely reported that the Canaries would have made his loan permanent after promotion but for a hefty price tag set by Spurs.
The midfielder sealed a £20 million move to Leicester City in 2024, where he has failed to replicate the heights he achieved with Norwich.
Harrison Reed
Midfielder Harrison Reed played 39 league games during the 2017/18 season, scoring once – a screamer at home to QPR.
On loan from Southampton, Reed oozed class in the middle of the park and filled the void left by Jonny Howson, who joined Middlesbrough earlier that summer.
He has gone on to become a regular in the Premier League for Fulham, with 129 top-flight appearances to his name.
Mitchell Dijks
Towering left-back Mitchell Dijks made 15 appearances for Norwich during the second half of the 16/17 season.
On loan from Dutch giants Ajax, the 6ft 4ins defender won over fans with his marauding runs forward and fearless tackles.
Comfortable on the ball despite his stature, Dijks looked tailor-made for the English game.
The decision not to take up the option to make his loan permanent was met with widespread disappointment.
You can’t help but wonder how he’d have performed in a Farke side.
Henri Lansbury
The first of two 2010/11 icons in this list, Henri Lansbury made 23 appearances under Paul Lambert during that famous season.
On loan from Arsenal, Lansbury played a key role in the memorable 4-1 win against our nearest and dearest in November 2010.
Perhaps best known for his ‘Dougie’ goal celebrations, Lansbury joined West Ham United on loan the following season instead of joining City in the Premier League.
Dani Pacheco
I understand that this is a bit of a controversial one given he only played 6 games, but 10-year-old me was mad about Dani Pacheco (not only because we share the same name).
After joining Lambert’s Premier League-bound yellows on an emergency loan (remember those?) in March 2011, Pacheco played a big part in the season’s conclusion.
The iconic Chris Goreham commentary line: “Pacheco on the rebound!” needs little introduction.
I had my fingers crossed that the little Spaniard would join us in the Premier League, but it was not to be.
