Five ex-Norwich players worth a look in transfer window

JOSH MURPHY

Josh Murphy during his Norwich days (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)

Current: Oxford United

Age: 29

Position: Winger

Murphy knows Carrow Road well – him and twin brother Jacob came through the youth ranks. He was a member of the City team that won the 2012-13 FA Youth Cup, scoring in the final against Chelsea. Had loan spells at Wigan and MK Dons before moving to Cardiff in June 2018 for £11m, having made just over 100 appearances in all competitions for Norwich and scored 20 goals. Admitted he was at a footballing crossroads before joining Oxford two years ago, where he has enjoyed a renaissance: he was outstanding in their League One play-off success, netting twice in a 2-0 victory over Bolton Wanderers in the final. He’s brave and quick down the flanks and lethal with his crossing accuracy.

JAMAL LEWIS

Jamal Lewis - struggled since his City exit (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)

Current: Newcastle United

Age: 26

Position: Left-back

More than 100 Norwich appearances on his CV, was named in the 2018–19 PFA Championship Team of the Year, alongside team-mates Max Aarons and Teemu Pukki. Was on the radar of several big clubs and in September signed a five-year deal with Newcastle, who shelled out a reported £15m. Hasn’t worked out, neither did a loan at Watford last season. There’s a left-back shaped hole at Norwich, with Sam McCallum and Dimi Giannoulis having left. Would the real Jamal Lewis emerge from his shell if he returned? Everyone knows how good he was…

JOHN RUDDY

John Ruddy - what next for the ex-City keeper? (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)

Current: Out of contract

Age: 37

Position: Goalkeeper

Ruddy was signed by Paul Lambert in 2010 and had seven good years at Carrow Road, during which time he also represented England. Was one of the seven players culled in May 2017 when his contract expired. Was the only one of the seven who opted to play in the final game of the season and was made captain for the day. Spent five years at Wolves and two at Birmingham. Bags of experience, his son is in the Norwich academy set-up and would be a good number two. Lots of good young keepers on the books who would benefit from his experience. Currently weighting up a few options but interesting that the family is still Norwich.

OLIVER SKIPP

Oliver Skipp - a big hit during his loan spell at Carrow Road (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)

Current: Tottenham

Age: 23

Position: Midfielder

The most ambitious suggested signing on this list – but if Spurs fancied any of City’s prize assets then a swap deal rather than hard cash might suit. Looks like Skipp is on his way out of Tottenham, with Leeds sniffing around – Daniel Farke knows all about the midfielder having given him 44 starts in the 2020-21 Championship-winning season. Skipp is a defensive midfielder who wins the ball, breaks up play and protects his defenders – what’s not to like about him?

BRANDON WILLIAMS

Brandon Williams - released by Manchester United (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)

Current: Out of contract

Age: 23

Position: Full back

Spent the 2021-22 season on loan at Carrow Road and perhaps didn’t pull up many trees, although he was by no means a disaster. Was on loan at Ipswich last season, although he returned early to Manchester United after persistent illness and injury issues. Again, there’s that vacancy at left back, and Williams can also play on the right. Some adverse off-field publicity has blotted his copybook – and in Norwich fans’ eyes, so has the spells in  Suffolk – but he’s available and free after being released by United.