- Three key positions Clement should target to solve City’s lingering injury crisis.
- Winter signings flourish as the Canaries prepare for crucial summer window.
- Squad stability remains a priority despite the urgent need for a new striker.
The March international break has come at a welcome time for Norwich City, presenting a much-needed two-week window to ease a seemingly never-ending injury crisis.
The Canaries went into last weekend’s game against Charlton Athletic missing 14 first-team players, including three full-backs and two strikers.
Philippe Clement has worked wonders to find solutions to all manner of positional issues over the past three months, but the 52-year-old will no doubt be keen to address the squad’s shortcomings over the summer transfer window.
The three permanent additions that Clement made during the winter window – Ali Ahmed, Mo Toure and Paris Maghoma (above) – have all made meaningful contributions in the second half of the season.
But January is always a tricky window to make signings, and fans will be hoping that Clement will be given funds to further stamp his mark on the squad ahead of next season.
Unlike in recent years, this summer is unlikely to result in a significant squad overhaul.
Over the past five transfer windows under sporting director Ben Knapper, City have recruited predominantly young players on long contracts.
With many recent recruits now beginning to flourish under Clement, there is a growing sense that three or four quality additions could make the difference next season.
Here are three positions that need addressing this summer:
Left-back
In Lucien Mahovo and Ben Chrisene, Norwich have two of the most promising left-backs in the Championship.
Sadly, the exciting duo have endured injury-hampered seasons, leaving Clement to problem solve game by game.
If the Canaries are to mount a serious promotion push next season, some degree of consistency at left-back will be key.
Could there be a world where either Chrisene or Mahovo are loaned out and Clement brings in a more experienced left-back?
Right-wing
Right-wing has without doubt been City’s biggest challenge throughout the season.
With Matej Jurasek and Papa Diallo unable to maintain fitness, Clement has been forced to come up with creative solutions on a weekly basis.
Liam Gibbs, Tony Springett and Jovon Makama have all done jobs on the right in recent months.
Clement is shrewd enough to know that the position will need to be addressed over the summer.
It’s worth noting that Ante Crnac, who suffered a season-ending ACL injury last October, will return for pre-season.
Striker
Clement has already confirmed that City will be in the market for a centre-forward this summer following Josh Sargent’s departure in February.
Injuries to Toure and Makama have left Mathias Kvistgaarden as City’s only option at the top end of the pitch.
It’s no secret that the 5ft 8in Dane isn’t Clement’s preferred profile at the top end of the pitch, which presents an interesting dynamic going into the summer.
It’s hard to imagine a world where the Canaries go into next season with four out-and-out strikers.
With a big money striker signing on the cards, Kvistgaarden’s future may be in jeopardy.
