Norwich City have identified Feyenoord captain Steven Berghuis as a potential replacement for Emiliano Buendia, who they sold to Aston Villa earlier this month.
Feyenoord Skipper Steven Berghuis Could Replace Void Left by Sale of Emi Buendia
The Canaries are Keen to Find a Replacement for Buendia, Who Departed for Aston Villa
Upon winning promotion back to the Premier League at the first possible attempt, Norwich did not hang around when it came to accepting an offer for their star playmaker. Having allowed Buendia to swap East Anglia for the Midlands in a deal worth £30 million, the Canaries are keen to find a like for like replacement.
Per PA Media, Norwich are interested in bringing Berghuis to Carrow Road thanks to his low price tag, which reported to be €5 million. Much like Buendia’s ability to play out wide or through the middle, Berghuis plays on the right-hand side of midfield with a tendency to drift inside and operate as a creative outlet behind the striker.
Deal For Berghuis Hangs in the Balance Despite Norwich’s Interest in the Dutchman
Norwich’s interest in Berghuis has been a long-standing one. They first tried to sign him in 2015, but the Dutchman opted for Watford, where he had a forgettable two-year stint, making just one start for the Hornets.
Despite rumours that the Canaries are interested in signing him, a deal for Berghuis looks unlikely according to Norwich City correspondent Connor Southwell, who stated in a Tweet that the club have “decided to pursue other targets”.
Whilst it could be viewed by sceptics as a gamble to allow Buendia to leave just to replace him with a player who previously struggled to settle in England, Berghuis has been impressive enough to feature in this summer’s Holland squad at Euro 2020.
Indeed, a playmaker is not the only priority on City’s summer shopping list, as they are reportedly close to bringing back goalkeeper Angus Gunn from Southampton, in a deal that could be worth up to £10 million. Gunn rose through the ranks at Norwich’s academy and, despite failing to establish himself at Manchester City and Southampton, a return to Norfolk is on the cards.
Having allowed Buendia to leave, Norwich will be hoping to find a replacement in time for their first Premier League game of the 2021/w2 season, which sees them host Liverpool on Saturday, August 14.
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