No first team players for sale, says Clement
Norwich City head coach Philippe Clement has confirmed the club is not interested in selling any of their first team players this summer. Speaking to BBC Radio Norfolk, Clement was clear: "There is a clear plan - nobody will leave who is a potential starting 11 player."
Full-back Kellen Fisher missed the recent goalless friendly at AFC Wimbledon due to a twisted ankle sustained in training, not because of any transfer activity. Despite speculation linking Fisher with a £5m move to Hull City, Clement stated, "I can honestly say there has not been one bid for a player because all the agents and players know we don't want anyone to leave."
While Clement acknowledged that only "crazy money" offers for starting players might force a sale, he emphasised the club’s current stance is to keep the squad intact ahead of the new Championship season, which kicks off at home to West Brom on 15 August.
Paddy’s Pointers: Fisher injury and squad depth concerns
According to The Pink'un, Kellen Fisher’s ankle injury is a concern given fellow full-back Lucien Mahovo is likely to miss three months with ligament damage. Clement and the club’s sporting director Ben Knapper share the view that the focus is on building rather than selling.
Fisher’s absence leaves a gap in the squad, and any prolonged layoff would be a blow given his England Under-21 status. The club has not received any bids for him or other key players like Jose Cordoba, but fresh speculation or offers could still emerge before the transfer window closes.
Emerging players under scrutiny
Amankwah Forson and Matej Jurasek started at Wimbledon but struggled to make a decisive impact. Jurasek missed two good chances and showed indecision in key moments, prompting visible frustration from Clement. Both players have technical ability but need to improve their intensity and decision-making to meet the demands of the head coach.
Meanwhile, players like Andre Brooks, Papa Diallo, and Ali Ahmed remain under observation as Clement looks to integrate his wider squad. The challenge is to keep all players motivated and ready, especially with several key figures returning from injury or international duty.
Ben Chrisene: Wimbledon test ideal for season
Left-back Ben Chrisene described the goalless draw at AFC Wimbledon as a valuable physical test ahead of the Championship campaign. Speaking to The Pink'un, Chrisene said, "It's always going to be tough in pre-season, especially against these teams who set up well, and they set up to frustrate us, which they did, but we can take positives from the game."
Chrisene highlighted the importance of adapting to the physicality of English football, especially for new players from abroad. He added, "We're in the thick of pre-season at the moment and I think everyone can see that as well. They're working us hard."
Defensive solidity a focus
The Canaries have kept four successive clean sheets in pre-season, a trend Chrisene is keen to continue. "It's always nice to keep clean sheets and we want to do that in the season. If we can keep clean sheets, then we can win more games as well," he said.
Chrisene’s comments underline the defensive discipline Clement is building as Norwich prepare for a demanding Championship season starting in mid-August.