Jonathan Rowe opens up about ‘difficult’ Norwich City exit amid rumours of possible return to England

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Norwich City have a strong track record of developing attackers in the Championship.

Josh Sargent’s impressive form and Borja Sainz’s goal-scoring exploits have helped the Canaries rack up the second-best attacking numbers in the Championship this campaign.

Sargent and Sainz, however, aren’t the only Norwich forwards to shine in recent times, with academy graduate Jonathan Rowe also making a name for himself at Carrow Road.

Rowe was a shining light for the Canaries last season, netting 17 goal contributions across all competitions – a tally which would attract the attention of French giants Marseille.

The 21-year-old would end up joining the Ligue 1 outfit in August 2024, arriving in France on a season-long loan deal with an obligation to buy, believed to be in the region of £17m – according to BBC Sport.

Now, eight months on from his Marseille move, Rowe has opened up about the difficulties of leaving boyhood club Norwich.

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Jonathan Rowe speaks on Norwich 2024 exit

With just four starts to his name since in Southern France, it hasn’t been easy for the ex-Norwich man to make his mark so far.

Rowe, however, has still managed to bag three goals, the latest of those coming in Marseille’s 5-1 over Montpellier on Saturday.

Speaking to the press after the game, Rowe spoke on the transition from the Championship to Ligue 1.

“It’s been difficult for me personally, the whole season has been difficult. The change coming from Norwich, where I was a key player in the team and then coming here was a big challenge with the expectation to perform.

“I have embraced, and it’s been difficult. I have been left out of the starting eleven a lot of times, and it has obviously affected me a bit, I think everyone could see that. I carried on going, though, and that’s the main thing.

“Even though I was down some days, I had to look at the bigger picture, which is that collectively as a team we have a goal, and I have got to do as much as I can.”

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Rowe could return to England this summer

Rowe will be hoping his latest goal can help kickstart his Marseille career. If that doesn’t turn out to be the case, though, he may have a possible opportunity to return back to English football this summer.

That is according to French publication Jeunes Footeux, who claim both Everton and Championship high-flyers Leeds United are interested in signing the former Norwich man ahead of next season.

With Manor Solomon’s future remaining unclear, Rowe potentially could be the perfect pickup for Leeds this summer as they prepare for a possible assault on the Premier League.

But with Marseille likely wanting to recoup the £17m they paid Norwich last summer, Rowe may not come cheap, something that may deter Daniel Farke’s side from making a move.