Norwich City have their eyes set on a second successive top-six push under new boss Johannes Hoff Thorup, after losing their play-off semi-final to Leeds United last season, a damaging result which cost former manager David Wagner his job.
But the Canaries did not enjoy the successful start to the 2024/25 Championship campaign they had hoped for, as they fell to a 2-0 defeat on home turf at the hands of Oxford United, who were playing their first game at second tier level in 25 years.
It is therefore already evident that Hoff Thorup has plenty of work to do if he is going to guide the Norfolk outfit towards the play-off spots, but one thing the Canaries do have in their favour is an array of young players who look set to improve during the coming weeks and months.
FLW takes a look at two Norwich starlets who could earn the club large transfer sums if and when they are sold on in the future:
Abu Kamara
Talented 21-year-old Abu Kamara spent last season on loan with League One champions Portsmouth, and played a vital role towards Pompey’s title-winning success as he scored eight goals and made ten assists in the third tier.
Meanwhile, across all competitions, the attacking midfielder reached double figures in both goals and assists last term, demonstrating that he should be more than ready for the jump to Championship football.
After impressing with Pompey last term, Kamara looks set to enjoy more playing opportunities at Carrow Road, and Hoff Thorup may be more keen to name the England youth international in his starting 11 after he came off the bench during the 2-0 loss at the Kassam Stadium.
Kamara’s performances in the third tier last campaign suggest that he is a ready-made Jon Rowe replacement, and he will be hoping to make a big impact this season.
If the homegrown player is able to emulate his Pompey exploits with the Canaries, then it will only be a matter of time until potential Premier League interest in his services arises.
Liam Gibbs
Liam Gibbs came through the academy of the Canaries’ bitter rivals Ipswich Town, but signed for the Norfolk side in the summer of 2021 for an undisclosed fee.
The central midfielder made 22 Championship appearances for the Carrow Road outfit last season, but was only selected in Wagner’s starting 11 in the second tier on just four occasions.
He looks set to enjoy more game-time under Hoff Thorup this season, after being named in the starting lineup at Oxford and will hope to make a notable impact.
At just 21-years-old, Gibbs is a player who still has a point to prove and plenty of time to develop, while upcoming match-ups with Sheffield United and Coventry City will allow him to show what he can do against two of the strongest sides in the Championship.
His youthful energy could pay the perfect complement to the experience of fellow central midfielders Kenny McLean and Christian Fassnacht over the course of the campaign.
If the former Tractor Boys man enjoys a successful season, then he could attract external interest, and could eventually gather a handsome transfer fee for the Canaries.
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