Norwich City have agreed a deal with Sporting Lisbon for the transfer of Ricky van Wolfswinkel, it was announced via their official website.
The Dutch striker will join the club on the 1st of July, subject to paperwork being completed. The 24 year old has been linked with several English clubs, including Liverpool during last summer’s transfer window. However, after scoring 82 goals in 188 career appearances, he has decided to make the move to Carrow Road.
Speaking to the Canaries’ official website, manager Chris Hughton said,
[quote]He has an excellent goal-scoring pedigree and he’s a young man very keen to continue his personal progression and to play in England. He’s already an exciting talent but he still has more development as a player ahead of him.[/quote]
The club have found it difficult to score at times this season, and Hughton thinks the striker could be just what his team needs to make it easier for them. “Ricky’s profile is a perfect fit for us – he’s young, ambitious and a proven goal-scorer,” he said.
He added:
[quote]I’m delighted we’ve been able to agree a deal with Sporting Lisbon and with Ricky and we look forward to welcoming him to the squad in July, once all of the paperwork gets sorted out.[/quote]
It is thought Norwich had a bid turned down for the Dutchman in January and with reports in Portugal suggesting the deal could cost the club £8m, it could prove to be good business when van Wolfswinkel makes his debut next season.
The striker scored 25 goals in all competitions for Sporting last season, with 14 so far in the current campaign. Canaries’ fans will hope that he will able to continue this form at Carrow Road.
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