Five in the building so far and on the face of it, the Canary stock has risen. Now to prove it on the green stuff!
So… what impact will City’s transfer window business (so far) have on what happens between now and May? I’m as optimistic as ever, and I think it means survival! Maybe even better.
I’ve analysed each of the signings so far, and below are my thoughts and a few pros. Do you agree with my transfer ratings?
Matt Jarvis
Luckily we’ve already had a good taste of what Jarvis can serve this season. And I have an apology to make.
On Matt’s arrival in September I was perplexed as to why we were signing him, however now I completely get it. And I pledge to never question Alex Neil’s judgement again!
Unfortunately as we all know, Jarvis has been injured but now he’s back at full fitness he’ll offer a good challenge to what seems to be an inconsistent Nathan Redmond this season.
He’s quick, direct and shows no fear and is exactly the type of player we all want to play in yellow. I’m sorry Mr Jarvis!
My transfer rating 8/10
Ivo Pinto
City have signed a player of superb technical ability here. He’s very fast and generally switched on, and it means life promises to be a lot more difficult against our back-four from now on.
Another thing I like about Ivo is that he’s gone against his own father’s word to play in yellow. We all know he played up to the cameras at Colney, but this player appears to have some serious passion to do well here.
With Champions League experience on his CV, he will instantly help him in this league; most valuably against Arsenal. For those who haven’t seen the video of him running over half the length of the pitch to tackle Arsenal’s extremely pacy HéctorBellerin – I recommend you check it out.
My transfer rating 8/10
Ben Godfrey
A handful of Norwich supporters have criticised the signing of Godfrey.
But before you do, it’s important to consider that first and foremost, the club have offered a talented English youngster a platform to develop into the player that he is capable of being. The transfer market is not what is used to be, and is rapidly developing into a system that will make English ‘home grown’ players very valuable in years to come.
On the other hand though, I can understand the frustrations of some, especially after Louis Thompson’s excellent last pre-season campaign and some impressive under-21 performances from Connor McGrandles.
But rest assured, the future looks bright for Norwich City. Ben has got Alex Neil’s blessing and that’s good enough for me.
My transfer rating 6/10
Timm Klose
This signing shows real ambition and is something we’ve wanted from our club for a long time. I’m very impressed City have managed to acquire Timm’s services.
Much like Pinto, his Champions League experience is a tell-tale sign that this is a good move. Klose, for this reason, should be a perfectly good match for the rapid Premier League strikers.
I’m not going to pretend I’m a German football expert but according to journalists who are, Klose is nimble, great in the air and calm on the ball. He is also rated highly by former Premier League player Andre Shurrle, who now plies his trade at Wolfsburg.
Timm Klose ranks fourth in the top pass completion rates in the Bundesliga this season and therefore if he’s able to maintain that form, it can only help our sometimes nervous defence.
The signing of Klose does of course come with the risk of him not having played Premier League football before but I’ve got a feeling this could be one of City’s best signings in a long time.
My transfer rating 8/10
Steven Naismith
Credit where credit is due – City’s recruitment team have done a fantastic job of getting this deal over the line. It always feels better when you beat other clubs to a signing. Especially in the same league.
Seeing this deal from an Evertonian blue point of view is very sweet viewing too. Naismith is highly regarded by many Toffees fans and is viewed as one of the best finishers their club has had in the last few years.
The amount of endorsement Steven received when City finally made his transfer official sums up just how good he is.
These endorsements included his previous boss Roberto Martinez, various writers in the national media, our very own Mick Dennis and even Stan Collymore. Yes, Stan Collymore complemented our transfer business!
This says a lot about the quality of player we’ve got our hands on here. Also, a massive bonus for the Canaries is that Naismith will be able to hit the ground not just running, but sprinting. His Premier League experience alone is definitely worth the fee we paid.
Steven has called himself a ‘grafter, not a star’ and I’m excited to see him in yellow for this reason. This man works hard and pretty much guarantees goals.
My transfer rating 9/10
Of course, surviving in this league is easier said than done. But, in my eyes, the players we’ve purchased this January will not only bolster our squad, but will ensure we stay in the top flight. We’ve made a big statement to our relegation rivals..
And who knows, there might well be more players arriving through the gates of Colney before the end of this window.
What are your thoughts on Norwich City’s January transfer business? Comment below or feel free to ask questions on Twitter by tagging @NorwichCityMFW and @ChrisReevo.
On The Ball, City!