Norwich City have completed a significant loan signing on deadline day, securing QPR midfielder Sam Field until the end of the season. The 27-year-old arrives at Carrow Road as the Canaries look to bolster their midfield following a spate of injuries to key players. Read more about Norwich Target Midfield Reinforcements as Deadline Approaches.
Field's arrival comes in the wake of Pelle Mattsson's ankle injury, which is set to keep him out for several weeks. Additionally, Mirko Topic, another summer signing, has been ruled out for the remainder of the season due to an ACL injury. These setbacks have created an urgent need for reinforcements in Norwich's midfield.
In his first comments as a Norwich player, Field expressed his enthusiasm for the move. "Norwich is a big club - I can tell that already being here," he said. "The aspirations are a lot higher up the league, and I think there's more than enough quality here. I'm desperate to play football. The first half of the year hasn't gone the way I'd like it to, and Norwich expressed an interest. It was an opportunity that sounded perfect for me. I know it's only a short-term move until the end of the season, but I'm really looking forward to it." Read more about Norwich Target Midfield Reinforcements Ahead of Deadline Day.
Ben Knapper, Norwich's sporting director, praised Field's versatility and experience as key assets for the team. "We're delighted to welcome Sam to Norwich City," Knapper stated. "With well over 200 Championship appearances under his belt, in addition to more than 20 in the Premier League, Sam brings with him a wealth of experience at this level and beyond. That will be invaluable for us over the second half of the season in what we know is a young group that we have assembled. In addition to that, Sam's ability to play in more than one position is a real benefit, and we're looking forward to working with him over the coming months. He's a great person and character and will play an important role for us here both on and off the pitch."
Field's move follows a lack of playing time at QPR, where he has made only nine league starts this season after signing a longer-term deal at Loftus Road in 2024. The former England Under-20 international began his professional career at West Brom, making his Premier League debut in 2016, but has been with QPR since 2021.
Field becomes Norwich's fifth signing of the January transfer window, joining Canadian international winger Ali Ahmed, attacking midfielder Paris Maghoma from Brentford, and striker Mohamed Toure from Danish club Randers. Norwich also secured a loan deal for Manchester United teenager Harry Amass, although the left-back has since returned to his parent club to address a hamstring injury.
Manager Philippe Clement has acknowledged the pressing need for a stronger central midfield following a disappointing 1-0 defeat against Middlesbrough. “We're working on that. I think the team needs a ball-winning midfielder because we have good midfielders, but a different style of play, so the club is working hard,” he explained.
In the final days of the transfer window, Norwich explored potential signings such as Finnish international Glen Kamara, but their interest was turned down by Rennes. Earlier in the month, they also targeted former West Ham player Andy Irving, who ultimately opted for a move to Sparta Prague.
As Norwich navigate this challenging period, Field's addition could prove pivotal in enhancing their midfield options. Meanwhile, striker Josh Sargent remains in a precarious situation, as Toronto FC's initial inquiry reportedly did not meet Norwich's valuation, leaving the US international training away from the first team. With the MLS transfer window open until March 26, further developments regarding his future are anticipated.