Norwich City’s rising star Jonathan Rowe is reportedly a transfer target for surprise Premier League title challengers, Aston Villa, according to reports from Caught Offside.
Rowe has been a key figure for Norwich in the 2023/24 campaign, making 20 Championship appearances and scoring 10 goals this season.
The 20-year-old has caught the eye for some standout displays throughout the campaign. Rowe struck in four consecutive matches at the start of the season and bagged a brace in the 2-2 East Anglia Derby draw against Ipswich on Saturday.
It has been an impressive breakthrough season for the talented winger, who also made two appearances for England’s under-21 side in October. Rowe was handed his Norwich City debut by Dean Smith in December 2021, when the Canaries were still in the Premier League, and he made 12 further top-flight appearances in the 2021/22 season.
Following Rowe’s consistency this season, rumours have circulated about his future at Carrow Road. In the summer, the 20-year-old was heavily linked with Wolves, who made a £15 million bid for the young forward, as reported by the Sun.
However, recent developments suggest that Villa are another club entering the race to seal Rowe’s signature in January. The Villans are enjoying a sensational season so far under Unai Emery as the Midlands club are third in the Premier League and have progressed to the knockout rounds of the UEFA Europa Conference League.
In addition, Caught Offside reported that Emery sees Rowe as an ideal player to provide competition for first-choice striker Ollie Watkins. The England international is Villa’s top scorer this season with nine goals from 19 appearances in all competitions.
Writer’s View
It appears more likely that either Wolves or Villa will make Norwich an offer for Rowe in the January window. However, the Canaries hierarchy seems reluctant to let their talented youngster depart Carrow Road as he has repeatedly proved his importance to David Wagner’s side.
Yet Norwich are in a strong position to keep Rowe currently. The forward has another 18 months left on his contract, which is due to expire in June 2025, according to Transfermarkt. In addition, there will be no guarantee of first-team football if Rowe steps up to the Premier League, so he may benefit from staying put in Norfolk for the foreseeable future.
