DIRKSHORN - Ashley Barnes of Norwich City celebrates the 0-1 during the friendly match between AZ Alkmaar and Norwich City FC at VV Dirkshorn sports complex on July 19, 2023 in Dirkshorn, Netherlands. AP | Dutch Height | ED VAN DE POL (Photo by ANP via Getty Images)
Who stays and who goes? Which names are on Knapper’s ‘sell’ list?
But part of being a football fan is speculating, so here I am again with my latest thoughts on what may or may not happen in the coming weeks. Others may disagree and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
Gabby Sara – our 24-year-old Brazilian was ever-present last season, scoring 13 and providing 12 assists from varying midfield positions.
His valuation seems to vary depending on which way the wind is blowing – the lowest I’ve seen is £20m and the highest, is a ridiculous £35m. Will our Brazilian outdo our long-gone Argentinian in the selling stakes?
Like Emi Buendia, Sara has lots of potential to play at a higher level and no City supporter would deny him that chance. But with his current contract length, those clubs interested will have to pay beyond the going rate. When he does go I’ll wish him only the very best.
Jonny Rowe is, of course, another touted for big things. At just 21 years old, he has the potential to go a long way in the game.
Unlike Sara, his contract situation doesn’t give City the upper hand, unless the club has an option or can get him to sign a new deal with a sell-on clause.
Rowe reminds me of a young Ruel Fox, who burst into life in a City shirt in the glory years of the early ’90s and then went on to play for Newcastle and Spurs.
For Rowe, 2023-24 was his break-out season, scoring 12 times and, but for injuries, may have got closer to the 20 mark with City pushing harder for an automatic promotion place (we can dream).
Last January, it was reported Wolves had offered £10m plus add-ons that would have taken it up to £15m. As an opening offer, I suppose it was a fair one but it was the only offer that was reported.
The valuations for Rowe tend to be between £20m to £25m, and I suppose that would represent a good deal if a sell-on clause is included. Given that he will soon enter the final year of his current deal, that figure will tumble next January if City doesn’t nail him down to a new deal.
Josh Sargent just had his best season in a City shirt – played 26, scored 16, assisted 2. Like Rowe, the 24-year-old USA international’s season was interrupted by injury, so (again) the question is, what might have been for the club without his long layoff, plus the careful nurturing of his ankle on his return to action?
