Although Norwich City is now in 14th place in the league, Borja Sainz has been the team’s Championship Player of the Season thus far.
Although it may have taken him some time to become settled at Carrow Road, the Spaniard, who was bought from Giresunspor in Turkey, has been in outstanding form since the start of this season.
The left-winger leads the Championship in goals scored with 11 goals after 15 games. Although his goal scoring is impressive, most people are more impressed with the calibre of these finishes.
His double against Middlesbrough was absolutely spectacular, and at the moment, it seems like he will probably put it away if given the chance.
But with less than two months until the January transfer market opens, will Norwich be able to hold onto him given the attention this form has begun to generate?
Interest in Borja Sainz’s transfer
Given how well Sainz started the 2024–25 season, it is not surprising that clubs are starting to show interest in him.
In addition to Spanish top-flight teams Villarreal and Atletico Madrid, Galatasaray is reportedly interested in the 23-year-old.
Sainz might take a similar route after losing Gabriel Sara to the Turkish powerhouses the previous season, especially since he has played in Turkey before.
Nevertheless, considering their historical standing as Spain’s third-largest club, you believe Atletico would have the greatest appeal.
It would be a sad sight for Canaries supporters if he did go in January. But just south of them, near Portman Road, FbRef has found the ideal substitute.
Norwich’s best option to replace Sainz would be Nathan Broadhead.
Nathan Broadhead might be the ideal alternative for Sainz in the event that he leaves.
Currently playing for Norwich’s East Anglian rivals, Ipswich Town, the 26-year-old would be a perfect fit because of the number of players who have played for both teams.
Despite being put on the bench three times, Broadhead has not made an appearance and has fallen significantly down the pecking order after missing the first few months of the season owing to a hamstring injury.
He will undoubtedly want to play for the first team as a result, and Norwich should try to sign the former Everton player if Sainz leaves.
According to the information provided by FbRef, Broadhead is the player who is most comparable to Sainz. Both of them are left-wingers who want to cut inside and shoot into the far corner, based on their style.
Their per-90 numbers are remarkably similar statistically. Broadhead leads Sainz with 3.10 shot-creating actions per game, while Sainz averages 2.72. Their resemblance in attacking danger is further demonstrated by the fact that Sainz and Broadhead have identical predicted goals per 90, at 0.38 and 0.35, respectively.
With identical figures for important pass types and defensive contributions, they are also equivalent defensively and in terms of passing, highlighting their general alignment as players.
Because of this, it would be a wise move from Norwich and would reduce the void if the Spaniard were to leave Carrow Road.
Norwich supporters might not agree The broadhead
Even if Canaries supporters aren’t notoriously erratic, it would take a lot of tolerance for them to accept Broadhead’s possible signing.
You can be sure that fans would be on his back in no time if he showed there and didn’t live up to expectations.
Furthermore, considering the two teams’ scant history of making agreements with one another, it seems doubtful that they will be able to come to an agreement. Therefore, if Sainz leaves, it appears more likely that Broadhead would go on to another location and the Canaries will need to find a new replacement.
The ideal scenario, though, would be for Sainz to remain until the end of the season. He has already shown himself to be the difference-maker, and Johannes Hoff-Thorup’s team may face significant difficulties without him.
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