Norwich City column: Lewis Dobbin shows early promise with more January signings hopefully to come
With two weeks to go until the transfer window slams shut, things are certainly starting to hot up at Norwich City.
It has of course already been a busy January at Carrow Road, with the departures of Ashley Barnes, Christian Fassnacht and Kaide Gordon paving the way for new arrivals.
Lewis Dobbin has walked through the door, on loan from Aston Villa, and showed some promising moments during the 4-0 FA Cup defeat against Premier League Brighton last weekend.
At the time of writing, reports suggest a move for Slavia Prague winger Matej Jurasek is getting closer, with all sides confident a deal can be struck.
I won’t claim to know much about Jurasek, but the fact he is a full international at 21-years-old is encouraging.
Whether it is Jurasek or not, a winger is certainly at the top of the priority list. Even before you consider the lengthy ban handed out to Borja Sainz.
Look, spitting is an abhorrent offence, and the six game-ban Sainz has received is fully justified. He has let himself – and his teammates – down.
You can only hope that the 23-year-old uses the time on the sidelines to reflect on his actions and return a more mature player.
Sainz will be missing for Saturday’s difficult trip to Sheffield United. As will Anis Ben Slimane, who completed a permanent move from the Steel City club earlier this week.
I’m delighted Slimane’s long-term future will be at Carrow Road, after impressing during his loan spell during the first half of the campaign. Especially for a reported fee of £1.2m, a real bargain in today’s market.
Slimane’s performances have been full of composure, it is easy to forget the Tunisian midfielder is just 23. He has a lot of room to grow, and his potential is exciting.
The sooner he is back fit and ready for action, as we enter a key stage of the season, the better.