As the January transfer window approaches, Norwich City are preparing to make strategic moves aimed at bolstering their squad. Manager Philippe Clement is particularly enthusiastic about the selection challenges that a refreshed team could bring.
The recent return of several players from injury has provided a significant boost for the Canaries. Ben Chrisene, Jose Cordoba, Anis Ben Slimane, Shane Duffy, Liam Gibbs, and Lucien Mahovo have all resumed training or returned to Championship action. This resurgence comes at a crucial time, especially as Jack Stacey (hamstring) and Josh Sargent (concussion) aim to be fit for the festive match against Preston.
Clement, who guided the team to a spirited 2-1 victory over Southampton, has emphasised the need to be active in the transfer market next month. He has prioritised the acquisition of a new wide player to further enhance the squad. The performances of returning players like Chrisene and Mahovo, alongside Jacob Wright's contributions in the number 10 role, will significantly influence the extent of Clement's transfer activities.
The situation is further complicated by the season-ending injury to central midfielder Mirko Topic, making the search for midfield depth even more urgent. “Of course, we spoke about positions, about profiles, what we need for January,” Clement stated. “Everybody's aligned around that, and our recruitment team will work hard to come with the right profiles. In the next couple of weeks, we will have discussions about that.”
Despite the ongoing injury concerns, Clement remains focused on the players currently available to him. “I can speak about all the guys who are not there and all their qualities or what they can do; it's of no use. It's now focusing on who's fit and available and then looking game by game,” he remarked, emphasising a pragmatic approach amidst the uncertainty of injuries.
The matchday squad against Southampton represented a pivotal moment for Clement, as he faced genuine selection dilemmas for the first time since taking charge at Carrow Road. “Ben did already really well with almost no training, stepping in 25 minutes in Sheffield and now 60 again. Jose came in also really well in not a natural position for him,” he observed. “Lucien will step up with the training. But if you speak about them, I need to speak also about Kellen Fisher, who really did amazing performances the last couple of weeks. With a big heart.”
Clement's enthusiasm is palpable as he anticipates heightened competition within the squad. “We have Jack back this week also. It's going to become a period I hope where I have to make really, really difficult decisions. Until now, it was not too much the case,” he noted. “In some positions, I had that (against Southampton). We need to get a lot of competition, where everybody's fighting for the position, and when somebody's tired, somebody else steps in and can raise the level still because they're fresh, and opponents are tired.”
With the January transfer window on the horizon, Norwich City are well-positioned to assess their squad's needs and reinforce their ranks as they aim for a successful second half of the season. The intensifying competition for places within the team could prove pivotal in their quest for Championship success.