Former England international and pundit Carlton Palmer has responded to the recent disclosure made by Norwich City manager Johannes Hoff Thorup that he is anxiously awaiting the January transfer window in anticipation of potential interest in in-demand star Borja Sainz.
The Spanish winger has already garnered a lot of attention while continuing to make a stunning difference for Norwich, and he is expected to become a very desirable asset come the end of the year. Sainz briefly displayed his talent at Carrow Road the previous season, but since Thorup was hired and Jon Rowe and Abu Kamara left, Sainz has excelled. The 23-year-old’s explosive play in front of goal has kept both players from missing their exits.
With 14 goals from just 17 games, Sainz is still the Championship’s top scorer with two assists to go along with his second hat-trick of the year in Tuesday night’s spectacular 6-1 thumping of Wayne Rooney’s Plymouth Argyle.
He has personally contributed to over half of Norwich’s league goals this season, and the Canaries are currently in 10th place after a shaky run of play over the past month or so. This is the case going into the holiday season. However, Sainz’s form hasn’t diminished, which will only heighten the anxiety around a trip away from Norfolk come January.
This is because he has already been linked to Galatasaray, who acquired Brazilian midfield sensation Gabriel Sara from Norwich in the summer. According to Radio Popular de Bilbao, Sainz is also being pursued by Atletico Madrid, Athletic Club, and Villarreal. Unsurprisingly, it is thought that Sainz would prefer to relocate to the Spanish capital, where Diego Simeone could provide the 23-year-old with UEFA Champions League action.
Sainz’s contract expires in the summer of 2026 as well, which may raise more questions about his future.
It’s also not surprising that Norwich has decided not to sell Sainz, as owner Mark Attanasio told The Pink Un about their plans. Although his optimistic outlook appears to be at odds with a more recent statement from head coach Johaness Hoff Thorup, Attanasio stated that his team has complete control and does not need to trade the gifted forward.
Thorup voiced concerns about retaining Sainz for the January transfer window, and Carlton Palmer is obviously aware of those concerns.
In the wake of Norwich City and Johannes Hoff Thorup’s discovery, Carlton Palmer’s Borja Sainz transfer decision
During an exclusive interview with Football League World regarding Sainz’s future, Palmer expressed Thorup’s apprehension about keeping the attacker in January.
He thinks Norwich will have to fight tooth and nail to keep him at Carrow Road during this troubling time.
Palmer told Football League World, “Norwich are tenth in the table, five points off the play-offs, and going along nicely under Johannes Hoff Thorup.”
However, Thorup just stated in an interview that he is not looking forward to the January transfer window, which I assume is because of all the buzz about Borja Sainz, who has been excellent for Norwich this season.
“He has 14 goals and two assists in 17 games. Although the club has stated that he is under contract and that they do not need to sell, there is always concern. You are offered a substantial and reasonable sum of money, the athlete performs well for the team, and you are not allowed to obstruct the player’s progress.
“There is a lot of interest in the player, which is sad for Throup. Atletico Madrid and Villarreal are reportedly interested in signing him, and Galatasaray is eager to do so.
“It goes without saying that the January window is a very concerning time. Given that Josh Sargent is still sidelined due to injury, Norwich will likely be considering one or two individuals to take his place.
They should be anticipating bids for him since it is concerning that he is doing so well with only a few weeks left till January. Thorup is concerned about it, but regrettably, that is the nature of the beast. The player will get a lot of attention if he performs well, which is what you want to happen.
The transfer disclosure of Borja Sainz and Norwich City under Johannes Hoff Thorup
Following Norwich’s crushing victory over Plymouth at home on Tuesday, Thorup expressed his own concerns ahead of the January transfer window, suggesting that they might have trouble holding onto the Spaniard because he is in the third and final year of parachute payments, which would reduce their negotiating power when it comes to asset retention.
“I’m not looking forward to January,” the Dane clarified. We must acknowledge and comprehend that, naturally, the budget and financial circumstances are different after three seasons away from the Premier League.
“The next ones are also in the squad with this change in strategy, but they may be on the bench, in the squad, or playing fewer than 21 minutes right now. Nevertheless, those guys are the ones who will come after them, and we need to get ready for that so that everything we do here flows consistently.
“Hopefully, another one will be prepared when he [Sainz] visits a larger location than this one. If not, we haven’t performed our duties effectively enough.”
