According to reports, Brighton and Hove Albion have rejected a bid from Fulham for midfielder Oliver Norwood.
Norwood, 27, spent last season on loan at Fulham in the Championship and played 41 games for them in all competitions. He played a crucial part in the Cottagers’ promotion to the Premier League under Slavisa Jokanovic.
A couple of weeks back, Fulham shattered their transfer record to land Jean Michael Seri from OGC Nice. Seri is a quality player and his signing means the Cottagers are now well stocked in the midfield department. Regardless of that, should Jokanovic make a move for Norwood?
Why not? The Cottagers need quality as well as a big squad to rub shoulders with the Premier League teams. Generally, fatigue and injuries come into play at some point in the season and it is always important to have a beefed-up squad. Considering that aspect, Jokanovic must look to bring Norwood back to Craven Cottage.
He has bags of experience playing in the Championship and has been promoted twice in the past two seasons with Brighton and Fulham respectively. The Northern Irishman started his career at Manchester United and has gained experienced playing on loan at Carlisle United, Scunthorpe United and Coventry City before joining Huddersfield Town in 2012.
After a couple of years with Huddersfield, Norwood signed for Reading before turning up for Brighton in 2016. He helped the Seagulls gain promotion to the top-flight in his first season at the club. But the midfielder was farmed out on loan to Fulham last season where he impressed massively, after a slow start.
The presence of Tom Cairney and Stefan Johansen in midfield meant Norwood had to wait for his chance at Fulham. Norwood got a chance when Cairney struggled with knee problems but he failed to impress and looked short of confidence. However, the return of Cairney to the first-team saw a drastic change in Norwood’s form as the latter offered excellent defensive cover.
The Northern Ireland international offered a solid base in midfield as he allowed the attackers to influence the game in the final third. Norwood suddenly became a key player in Fulham’s midfield and his contributions started to become visible.
Slowly but steadily, Norwood became a valuable member for Jokanovic and provided a different dimension to the midfield with his energetic and hard-tackling displays. Also, he managed 5 goals and 3 assists, which points to the fact that he wasn’t left behind when it came to making a mark in the attack.
Although better suited to a holding position, Norwood can also ply his trade further up the pitch in a more attacking role, a revolving factor which could help Jokanovic freshen up his approach in the upcoming gruelling Premier League season.
Read more: Mahrez replacement? Leicester should do everything to land this 29-year-old beast from Everton
Seemingly cast out of Chris Hughton’s Brighton squad next term, it would be wise for Fulham to go all out and sign Norwood.
Communication is the heartbeat of any successful soccer team. On the field, amidst the flurry…
In the annals of football history, few names evoke as much reverence and admiration as…
Are you new to the world of football betting and would you like to take…
If you are into sports betting, staying ahead of the game is crucial. One way…
I have prepared some interesting and fun football facts for you, perfect for those who love the thrill of discovery almost as much as the excitement found at https://www.staycasino.com/. Like the unpredictable nature of casino games, these facts will surprise and intrigue you with unexpected twists and turns in the world of football. Here is the complete list of 40 interesting and fun facts about football. What are the most interesting facts about football? Football was invented in Italy, Messi is the highest-paid athlete, and the fastest a player has been sent off is 0 seconds! Stay ahead with these facts and impress with your knowledge. This collection contains many football facts that will surprise you. Tell your friends new facts they don't know. Interesting Facts About Football Every football fan should know these facts. You can also surprise your children with what they don't know! When was football invented? Modern football originated from the Florentine game of Calcio Fiorentino, played in the 14th …
Real Sociedad returns to the midst of Europe's elite clubs in the UEFA Champions League…