Vatan Ozcan Eyes First-Team Spot
Norwich City youngster Vatan Ozcan is confident he is nearing a first-team breakthrough at Carrow Road. The 18-year-old left-back made 26 appearances across the Canaries youth sides last season and is highly regarded at Colney, having put pen to paper on his first professional contract in February 2025.
Impressive Pre-Season Performance
Ozcan, who is contracted until 2027, also impressed last pre-season when handed opportunities by Liam Manning, featuring against Northampton, Zulte Waregem, and Olympiacos. Born in Cambridge, the young City full-back began his football journey aged six before joining Norwich at 10 and working his way through the academy system.
"I joined Chesterton Eagles when I was seven. After playing there for one or two years, I moved to Milton Colts. Norwich City tried me for two weeks and liked me a lot. I've been here for seven years, played in every age group, and improved a lot," he said, speaking to Fanatik. Read more about Cordoba Targets Premier League After World Cup Call-Up.
National Team Aspirations
Having had a taste of senior football last summer and watched fellow Turkish left-back Ferdi Kadolu in the Premier League, Ozcan is keen to follow in his footsteps. "I want to play in the Premier League like Ferdi (Kadolu). I watch Ferdi with admiration. He also plays in the Premier League. He scored a great goal this season. I want to be a regular left-back for the national team," he stated.
Ozcan switched national team allegiances from England to Turkey, where he made his Under-16 debut against North Macedonia in August 2023. He has since represented the nation at every level up to Under-19s and says he had no doubts about committing to Turkey due to his family heritage.
"But when the Turkish National Team called me, I said 'yes' without thinking. Because my name is Vatan," he explained. "The national team is very important for me. In a short time, I want to wear the mit National Team jersey first and then the A National Team jersey. Hopefully, after that, I will experience good things in every tournament." Read more about Ahmed Fears World Cup Chance After Hamstring Injury.
If Ozcan achieves that dream, it would mean a lot to his family, who he enjoys spending time with after a hard week of training. "I return home at the weekends. I eat my mother's Turkish food. I miss it very much. When I am in Norwich, there is a Turkish restaurant; I go there 2-3 times a week," he added.