Premier League newcomers Norwich City are looking to sign Philip Billing from Bournemouth this summer. The Canaries view the Denmark international as their priority midfield signing as they prepare for a top-flight return following a year-long absence.
Daniel Farke’s side know they face a battle to prise Billing away from the south coast, with Bournemouth valuing the 25-year-old at £15 million. According to The Athletic, this is around £5 million higher than Norwich’s valuation of the player, meaning the transfer fee is likely to be the major sticking point in the way of any deal being agreed.
Norwich Target Philip Billing From Bournemouth
Cherries Resolute Over Asking Price
It remains to be seen whether Norwich will be willing to meet Bournemouth’s valuation of the player in order to bring Billing to the club ahead of the new season.
What is clear is that Daniel Farke is hugely keen on getting a deal over the line, having identified Billing – who has one senior cap for Denmark – as his most significant transfer target of the summer.
The German manager views strengthening his midfield as crucial if his side are to have a better chance of staying in the Premier League than they did in the 2019/20 season.
Despite some memorable victories over the course of that campaign, the Canaries fell well short of retaining their top-flight status and were relegated in last-place with only 21 points.
Bournemouth have no obvious reason to lower their asking price for Billing, as the central midfielder is under contract at the Vitality Stadium until July 2024.
Billing’s Impressive 2020/21 Season
Last season was an impressive one in the Bournemouth midfield for Billing, who racked up 42 appearances across all domestic competitions. The club made it to the Championship play-off semi-finals, where they were beaten by Brentford.
Billing’s stats for goals also catch the eye: the 25-year-old found the net eight times from midfield in 34 Championship games, as well as contributing four assists.
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