Norwich City are reportedly eyeing a move for West Ham United midfielder Andy Irving as the transfer window approaches its conclusion. The Canaries recently bolstered their squad with the signing of Ali Ahmed from Vancouver Whitecaps, but head coach Philippe Clement has indicated that additional reinforcements may take time.
Irving, a 25-year-old left-footed midfielder, has become an attractive option for Norwich, particularly following the season-ending injury to Mirko Topic. With first-choice midfielders Kenny McLean and Pelle Mattsson facing significant pressure, Irving's arrival could provide vital support. Since late October, he has seen only a brief seven minutes of Premier League action, and his recent status as an unused substitute in the FA Cup against Queens Park Rangers suggests he may be seeking a more prominent role elsewhere.
Interest in Irving extends beyond Norwich; Championship rivals and international clubs are also monitoring his situation, especially in light of his previous stint in Austria. While the Canaries are also in the market for a number 10, Clement has urged patience during what he describes as a challenging transfer window. Read more about Canaries Set for League Cup Opener as Season Kicks Off.
“It’s difficult. That’s a little bit the story of the casino. You need some luck in things, and you can wait also and wait and then you’re empty-handed," Clement remarked. He characterised this transfer period as particularly complex, emphasising the difficulty of identifying players who meet the club's immediate needs. Read more about Sargent's Future Uncertain as Toronto FC Bid Looms.
Clement elaborated on the balancing act involved in recruitment: “Sometimes you need to make choices, to choose somebody more for long term and to get them in because he was playing less in his old team, but because of that, is now available on the market, for example.” He also highlighted the financial implications of their recruitment strategies. “You can bring in straightaway, but probably they’re not affordable. That’s the reality of this market.”
With the Canaries entrenched in a relegation battle, Clement is keen to avoid overpaying for potential signings. “We don’t want to let go also players who are important for us and every other club,” he added, underscoring the need for careful decision-making that considers both immediate and long-term interests.
Despite the challenges, Clement remains optimistic about the recruitment team's efforts: “I’m happy that there’s a lot of open communication in the club around every file that we have with players, and the talks are really open and honest. It’s not about the quantity, it’s about the quality that we need to strengthen the squad.”
As Norwich City navigate the complexities of the transfer market, Clement is hopeful of identifying players who can aid their survival bid in the Championship. The club's focus remains on securing the necessary reinforcements to enhance their squad.