Over the past few years, Norwich City has gone through many highs and lows.
The Canaries have wavered between the Championship and the Premier League. When they do make it to the top flight, they are relegated after only one season.
The team finished at the bottom of the Premier League barely a year after winning the Championship, and that was the case in both the 2019–20 and 2021–22 seasons.
Norwich supporters will have mixed feelings about Daniel Farke, who was the manager at the time. Although he accomplished several great things with the Canaries, Norwich was greatly frustrated by his unable to compete in the top division.
Along the way, Farke made some amazing acquisitions that would have a significant impact at Carrow Road in addition to his consistent success in the Championship.
None more so than Kenny McLean, a midfielder who has been a dependable presence in the middle of the park and is still on Norwich’s roster six years after signing.
In actuality, Norwich’s acquisition of McLean was a steal, and the team need to aim to use that deal as a model moving ahead.
Kenny McLean agreed to a modest £200k price.
McLean really established himself in Scotland, playing for St Mirren and Aberdeen for more than 100 games apiece before joining Norwich City. Before relocating south to England, he helped score 57 goals in the Scottish Premiership over eight years.
In retrospect, Norwich’s January 2018 approach to capture the midfield player for an estimated £200k was a brilliant business move. McLean was sent back out on loan to Aberdeen for the rest of the season after joining.
For a player of his calibre, £200k was an absurdly low price, and Norwich definitely got their money’s worth given the impact he had on the team. The Canaries should use this transfer as a standard for future acquisitions.
McLean’s tenure thus far at Norwich City
Over the past six years, Kenny McLean has been an integral member of Norwich’s team and played a major role in both of their Championship promotions. The midfielder returned to the club and made a significant impact from the middle of the pitch after regrettably missing the first half of the 2018–19 campaign due to injury.
In his 15 league starts that season, he recorded three goals and six assists, helping Norwich win the Championship and advance to the Premier League in Farke’s second season as manager.
After that, McLean played in his first season of Premier League football. He started 32 games in the top division, which would have been an unforgettable experience, even though the Canaries were relegated.
McLean was among the first players on the team sheet the following season and helped the squad achieve a second league title in as many years by contributing to eight goals in 30 league starts.
In contrast, Norwich experienced another instant relegation in the 2021–2022 season. The Canaries have put up a strong fight in the Championship since then, but they haven’t made it back to the top division yet.
McLean’s tremendous passing range and tenacity make him a dependable midfield player. Looking back, Norwich views that £200k deal from January 2018 as a brilliant move that they hope to duplicate soon.
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