Norwich Avoid Sargent Sale – But One Transfer Failure Could Cost Them Promotion

Norwich Avoid Sargent Sale – But One Transfer Failure Could Cost Them Promotion

Norwich City Stay Quiet on Deadline Day, but Regret One Missed Deal

Norwich City were arguably the quietest Championship club on transfer deadline day, having wrapped up all their incoming business well before the window’s final flurry of activity.

The Canaries did have to fend off interest in a few key players, most notably Kenny McLean, who attracted attention from Rangers. However, head coach Liam Manning will still have both McLean and Josh Sargent available for the season ahead.

Had the club allowed more high-profile departures—especially after selling Marcelino Núñez to rivals Ipswich Town—supporters might have been justifiably frustrated, despite the club’s rationale behind that deal. However, there’s one situation Norwich may come to regret: a transfer they couldn’t complete before the deadline.

Failed Departure for Shane Duffy

Despite efforts to move him on, Norwich were unable to secure an exit for defender Shane Duffy before the window closed. Manning had made it clear the club were exploring options for Duffy—either on loan or via a permanent deal.

Duffy, now in the final year of his contract, is among the highest earners at Carrow Road. The club had hoped to offload his wages, while the player himself might have benefited from a loan move, especially if he wanted to maintain his current income level without committing to a permanent transfer elsewhere.

A move away could also have revitalized his international career. Though currently out of contention for the Republic of Ireland squad, regular first-team football this season might have helped Duffy force his way into Heimir Hallgrímsson’s plans ahead of the 2026 World Cup, should Ireland qualify.

Stephen Kenny on Duffy’s Potential

Former Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny praised Duffy’s attitude and his ability to work his way back into the national setup in the past—a feat he believes the centre-back is capable of repeating.

Speaking to The Irish Sun, Kenny said:

“He loves playing for Ireland, he is a good character in the squad, and we are lucky to have him.

He intervenes in big moments. We didn’t get over the line against Portugal, it was so close, but it wasn’t his fault.

He did some unbelievable defending in that game, and he comes up with big goals—like the equaliser against Azerbaijan.

He has shown—long before I was manager, under successive managers—that he possesses a lot of character. Under Martin O’Neill and Mick McCarthy, he was an important part of their teams. He’s consistently demonstrated strong character.”

In the end, while Norwich City may have had a calm transfer deadline day, the inability to find a solution for Shane Duffy stands out as a potentially costly misstep.