- Norwich City had a partnership with Brazilian club Cortiba.
- Several Brazilian youngsters enjoyed a trial period at Colney.
- One of Norwich’s trialists is now wanted by Premier League clubs.
We recently delved into the story that Norwich City missed out on the chance to sign Brighton star Diego Gomez whilst he was playing in Paraguay.
The central midfield talent then went to the MLS before joining Brighton and is now playing regularly in the Premier League for the Seagulls.
Now it has emerged that the Canaries missed out on another top talent from South America, through their partnership with Brazilian club Cortiba.
Norwich’s partnership with Cortiba
In the summer of 2022, Norwich confirmed a partnership with Cortiba that ‘officially formalised the sharing of knowledge and best practices’ ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.
Speaking to the club’s website, Stuart Webber said: “We are delighted to have partnered with Coritiba. This new and exciting relationship will allow us to further continue our development and reach into new territories.
“When Brexit was on the horizon, we started a project to increase our knowledge in South America, as we felt the rules would open that market somewhat.”
Shortly after that announcement, Cortiba youngsters Lucas Ronier, Biel, and Thalisson all came to Norfolk for trial periods at Colney to experience the facilities and English football.
Why Norwich could not sign any of their trialists
Six months after those trials, Norwich attempted to sign Thalisson on a permanent deal for £650,000, but they were unable to get a deal over the line.
The Brazilian centre-back did not get enough points to qualify for a UK work permit, which would have been the case for all three of their trialists.
Because of that, the Canaries had to abandon their pursuit of the defender, who had impressed them during his trial.
In the present day, an ESC slot can be used when a player does not quality for a work permit right away, but that did not come into play until the summer of 2023, a year after the trials.
Thalisson did not kick on in Brazil after Norwich failed to sign him, unfortunately. He is currently valued at £348k by Transfermarkt and is on loan at Remo at the age of 24.
Former Norwich trialist is now wanted by Premier League teams
Whilst Thalisson has not developed into the new Thiago Silva, yet, one of the other trialists that came over from Cortiba is a very exciting prospect.
Ronier, who was 17 at the time of the trial, has racked up 17 goals and nine assists in 108 first-team appearances for Cortiba as a right winger.
Now, Premier League sides Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham are both reportedly interested in a summer swoop for the 21-year-old attacker.
Saudi Arabian side Neom have already had an offer of £9.4m turned down by Cortiba, but the player would prefer a move to Europe.
This means that Norwich missed out on signing a player who is now possibly worth £10m+ and a potential Premier League star because ESC slots did not come into place sooner.
Norwich may have to watch on as a player they once had on trial at Colney goes on to shine in the Premier League, should he complete a transfer to England this summer.
Exactly what Norwich need
Ronier is the exact kind of player Philippe Clement needs in his current Norwich squad this summer.
The Canaries are looking for a left-footed right winger to bolster the team ahead of the 2026/27 Championship campaign.
They could have had one in the building if ESC slots had been in place when Ronier came to Norfolk, as he is a left-footed right winger who provides goals and assists.
The 21-year-old talent is a superb dribbler, having completed 55 dribbles in 23 games in 2026, and could have been the one-on-one threat the Canaries need.
Unfortunately, it was a case of the right player at the wrong time for Norwich. He now looks beyond their reach, heading into this summer’s window.
