- Norwich are interested in signing Plymouth centre-forward Lorent Tolaj.
- Philippe Clement wants to sign a new number nine in the summer window.
- Analysing whether or not Tolaj fits the bill for the Canaries.
It is no secret that Philippe Clement wants to sign another centre-forward for Norwich City when the summer transfer window opens for business.
The Belgian manager recently pointed out that Jovon Makama and Mohamed Toure are yet to show that they can lead the line over a 46-game season on their own.
Mathias Kvistgaarden, meanwhile, was signed for Liam Manning’s system and it remains to be seen what will happen with him in the summer window.
Norwich’s interest in League One star
Despite there still being one game left in the season, there has already been speculation about who Norwich could target in the summer.
It was reported earlier this month that the Canaries are one of a number of clubs interested in a deal to sign Plymouth Argyle centre-forward Lorent Tolaj.
Norwich, Swansea, Stoke, Copenhagen, and Anderlecht are all said to be lining up moves for the Swiss striker in the off-season.
However, it still remains to be seen how much the League One outfit would demand for their star attacker, after they signed him from Port Vale for £1.2m last summer.
It is also unclear if he is Norwich’s main target for the striker position or just one of a number of players on their list.
Does it make sense for Norwich?
The striker signing the Canaries make this summer will be intriguing because they have Toure and Makama, who have combined for 18 league goals in 24 starts, and signing a guaranteed starter could block their pathway.
That is why bringing the reported target to Carrow Road could make perfect sense for Ben Knapper and Clement’s squad planning, because he is a quality prospect, but would not expect to start every single game.
The 24-year-old star is currently playing in League One and would likely be patient and bide his time for a chance at a higher level if he has to sit behind Toure and Makama at first.
Whilst he is not a veteran striker, Tolaj is experienced. He has played 79 games in the last two seasons for Port Vale and Plymouth, after playing 44 times for Aldershot in the 2023/24 campaign.
In the third tier this season, the Swiss marksman has scored 17 goals from 16.92 xG across 32 appearances, which shows that he has been efficiently prolific for Argyle.
Signing the ex-Non League ace also makes sense because he suits the style of play. Clement wants a physical presence in the number nine role, and the Plymouth star has won 50% of his aerial duels in League One, winning 2.3 per match.
The former Port Vale star is the complete striker, because he scores goals, provides assists, and wins his physical battles, and that is why his form could translate to a higher level in the Championship.
Tolaj almost seems like the perfect signing on paper for Norwich, because he is experienced, regularly available, physical, creative, and clinical, whilst he is also only 24.
This one would make sense for the Canaries…
