Jon Rowe could be destined for an early departure from his season-long loan at Olympique de Marseille despite just joining the Ligue 1 club from Norwich City in the summer.
That is according to a report by L’Équipe, who claim that the 21-year-old has lost credit in the eyes of manager Roberto De Zerbi.
The winger, who has dropped in the hierarchy since Amine Gouiri’s arrival, is currently looking for a new home with Les Phocéens.
Rowe will be released early by Marseille.
In the summer, Rowe joined Marseille on a season-long loan as De Zerbi sought to capitalise on the English market, which he was familiar with from his time at Brighton & Hove Albion.
According to reports, the agreement featured a sell-on provision for the Canaries and an obligation for Marseille to purchase Rowe for £17 million.
However, Rowe has not impressed at the Stade Vélodrome, and the French team is apparently trying to move him after less than six months.
Despite playing just 474 minutes in the league, the 21-year-old has made 19 appearances for De Zerbi’s team, scoring two goals and providing three assists.
Gouiri’s signing by Marseille, who will provide the Ligue 1 team another offensive option, has further cast doubt on Rowe’s position in the squad.
With Rowe, Norwich would be more powerful.
With 13 goals and three assists across all competitions for the Canaries last season, the winger was a key player at Carrow Road.
After losing players like Gabriel Sara, Adam Idah, and Rowe, who were among the club’s main contributors, this season was bound to be difficult.
This season, Norwich has scored more goals than any other team in the division, second only to Leeds United with 48 goals.
Borja Sainz, who has 16 goals this season and is still suspended after being banned for spitting, has been Johannes Hoff Thorup’s team’s primary goal threat.
Rowe would give the Canaries a goal threat, which would improve their top six credentials given they are currently outside the play-off spots.
With Rowe out of favour at the Stade Vélodrome, his next transfer will be a pivotal one as the winger attempts to play more first team games.
However, time is of the key for Rowe to ensure a future away from Marseille and this one could go right down to the deadline on February 3rd.
