Norwich City are preparing for a busy transfer window before the 2024/25 campaign commences, with many players expected to be heading for the exit door.
The Canaries had an excellent second half to the 2023/24 season and managed to finish inside the play-offs. Since the turn of the year, only Ipswich Town and Leeds United accumulated more points than the Norfolk-based club. Unfortunately, following a 4-0 defeat on aggregate to Leeds, head coach David Wagner was relieved of his duties as the side were resigned to yet another season in the second tier.
In the aftermath of the heavy loss at Elland Road, the club announced their list of players who would be retained in the squad. Perhaps surprisingly, Ben Gibson was one name omitted from the list as the former Middlesbrough and Burnley centre-half has been made a free agent after four years at Carrow Road despite making 40 appearances in all competitions for Norwich City this term.
It was reported by Stoke Sentinel last week that Gibson had become a transfer target for fellow Championship side Stoke City this summer and that the Potters were leading the way for the 31-year-old’s signature, having already signed Rotherham United shot-stopper Viktor Johansson after activating the Swedish goalkeeper’s release clause.
Football Insider have provided an update on this rapidly developing transfer saga, stating that Stoke have now agreed a deal with the experienced central defender. A finalised transfer may be wrapped up relatively soon as Gibson will become the club’s second acquisition of the summer so far behind Johansson.
Writer’s View
Gibson’s exit from Norwich City seemed surprising at the time given how many minutes he played over the course of the season under Wagner. However, there had been rumblings in the media that the board were keen to lower the average age of the first-team squad and at 31, Gibson had been deemed surplus to requirements.
Nevertheless, one man’s loss is another’s gain and Gibson will arrive at the Bet365 Stadium with a wealth of experience in the Championship which could benefit Stoke next season as the Potters look to rise up the table.
