Norwich City midfielder Marcelino Nunez is on the verge of a surprising transfer to rivals Ipswich Town for a fee estimated at £10 million. This move, confirmed by BBC Radio Norfolk, marks a significant moment in East Anglian football, being the first fee-paying transfer between these two clubs since goalkeeper Andy Marshall's switch in 2001.
Nunez has become an influential figure at Carrow Road since joining from Club Deportivo Universidad Catolica in 2022. The 25-year-old has made 119 first-team appearances, contributing 12 goals and 10 assists. This season, he has featured three times, notably scoring in Norwich’s EFL Cup match against Watford. However, an ankle injury sustained during a 2-1 victory over Portsmouth on August 15 has raised concerns about his immediate fitness. Read more about Nunez Set for Ipswich Move as Norwich Eye Mattsson.
As Norwich City prepares for Nunez's potential departure, the club is already exploring options for his replacement. Reports suggest that Danish midfielder Pelle Mattsson from Silkeborg is under consideration to fill the void. Read more about Norwich City Face Contract Dilemmas as Key Players Eye Exit.
Ipswich Town, struggling with a challenging start to the 2025/26 Championship season, will be keen for Nunez to inject creativity into their midfield. The Tractor Boys have drawn two and lost one of their first three matches, leaving them dangerously close to the relegation zone. With new signings like Kasey McAteer and Azor Matusiwa already bolstering their squad, the addition of Nunez could provide the spark needed to revitalise their campaign.
Despite earlier comments from Canaries manager Liam Manning indicating that Nunez remained part of his plans, the prospect of a lucrative fee from Ipswich appears to have shifted the dynamics. This deal, which includes potential add-ons, underscores Ipswich's ambition to strengthen their midfield as manager Kieran McKenna seeks to build a more cohesive team following a rocky start to the season.
As the transfer window approaches its conclusion, this £10 million move not only represents a pivotal moment for Nunez but also highlights a rare intersection of interests between two historic rivals. The implications for both clubs are set to unfold as the season progresses.