Jakov Medic has outlined his reasons for selecting Norwich City as the ideal environment for his career revival after transferring from Ajax. The 26-year-old Croatian international turned down multiple offers from clubs across Europe and England to join the Canaries in a deal worth £1.8 million. His decision follows a challenging period at Ajax and a difficult season with Bochum in the Bundesliga, where the team faced relegation. Read more about Sainz Seals Move to Porto After Stellar Norwich Season.
Norwich City’s proactive approach in the transfer market is evident, with the club taking significant steps to strengthen their squad by acquiring Medic, alongside Harry Darling and a new group of goalkeepers. This move underscores the club's commitment to addressing the defensive issues that hampered their Championship campaign last season, ultimately leading to the dismissal of manager Johannes Hoff Thorup.
Expressing his enthusiasm for joining Norwich, Medic credited his initial discussions with the club's leadership for solidifying his decision. He stated, "From the first moment when Norwich called my agent, I was really interested in this, especially after meeting with the club. I was really happy with how they spoke to me and how they see me. For me, England was always a dream. Here, the football starts for me," he shared with The Pink'un. Read more about Norwich Target Mattsson as Championship Rivals Circle.
Since his arrival, the defender has felt an immediate sense of belonging within the squad. “I'm really happy to be here, really excited, and I'm really enjoying 100 percent in the club. With these people around me, it has really helped me. It felt like home from the first day,” he added. Medic is determined to make a positive impact at the club and assist in guiding them towards Championship success.
His arrival is part of a broader strategy that includes nine senior signings aimed at revitalising Liam Manning's squad, which is eager to secure a return to the Premier League. Medic acknowledged that Manning’s youthful approach has played a significant role in attracting new talent to Norwich. “Of course, he is a young coach. I already have two young coaches, Fabian Hurzeler, who is now at Brighton, and Francesco Farioli, who is now at Porto. These are all young coaches,” he noted. Read more about Manning Urges Sargent to Focus Amid Transfer Buzz.
Medic values Manning's energetic and engaging coaching style, suggesting that the manager’s innovative tactics resonate with his own playing preferences. “He’s trying to help the team, bring something new to the team, new football, which I really like. We really enjoy being on the pitch with him because he’s helping us. I'm really happy to be here with him. I think I will learn a lot,” he remarked.
With optimism high for the upcoming season, Medic is hopeful about what lies ahead for the team. “I hope we'll have good things together with the team and the coach. We will enjoy it, I hope, at the end of the season.”