Mirko Topic earns rave reviews from Serbian football expert amid Norwich City links, but there’s a catch

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Another name has emerged as a transfer target for Norwich City, with Mirko Topic the latest midfielder to be linked with a move to Carrow Road.

Liam Manning has wasted no time in building a squad capable of competing for promotion in 2025/26, but Norwich City still have areas to work on.

Finding a replacement for Borja Sainz will be a top priority, but the Canaries are also looking at options to bolster the midfield, too.

We’ve already got the lowdown on Pelle Mattsson, but Mirko Topic is the new name mentioned with a move to Norfolk.

• READ MORE: Norwich City chief says why Liam Manning was ‘first choice’ for the Canaries job, ‘we knew…’

What kind of midfielder is Mirko Topic?

To learn more about Norwich City’s latest transfer target, EFL Analysis spoke exclusively to Serbian football expert Kristijan Plazonja about the merits of Topic and what kind of player he is exactly.

He said: “Mirko Topic is a defensive-minded six with excellent reading of the game. His high interception-to-tackle ratio reflects how well he anticipates danger. Physically, his long legs give him an edge in 1v1 duels, whether it’s trapping opponents or reaching balls others simply couldn’t.

“On the ball, he stands out for his composure and press resistance. He rarely looks rushed, and if no passing options are available, he’s confident enough to carry the ball and reshape the situation. He’s tidy in possession and offers real security in the build-up phase.

“While he’s a solid passer across the board, his long balls are arguably his standout quality, whether it’s diagonals, switches of play, or passes into stride, he delivers them with good timing, weight, and communication.”

Plazonja also suggested that Topic’s game has gone to the next level since joining Famalicao in Portugal, adding: “The biggest improvement in his game has been intensity. The physical demands there have sharpened his fitness and match rhythm, making him better equipped for high-tempo football.”

How to get the best out of Mirko Topic

Clearly, Topic is a top talent, then. But, what would Manning need to do to maximise his impact if he does make the move to the Championship?

Plazonja continued: “Topic isn’t the type of player who needs very specific conditions to thrive. His game is quite universal, and he can adapt to different tactical setups. What you get with him above all is reliability – both in and out of possession. He’s the kind of player who consistently performs at a solid level.

“Any team that values structure, ball security, and intelligent defensive coverage would benefit from him. He offers balance and stability. The kind of midfielder who allows others around him to play more freely.”

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Norwich City would be a stepping stone for Mirko Topic

The only issue for Norwich is Topic might be so good that he ends up leaving the club if he has a strong first season in England. Indeed, Topic may see this transfer as a stepping stone, much like Mathias Kvistgaarden.

On this, Plazonja said: “If I’m being honest, I’d see it as more of a stepping stone, yes. Unless Norwich secures promotion within the next couple of years, of course.

“I’m confident Topić will attract attention once he settles in, because his profile fits English football really well: He’s calm under pressure, physically ready, and capable of managing tempo in midfield.”

Topic is waiting for his big break at international level, though, with just four caps to his name to date. This is something that confounds Plazonja, who added: “The main reason is down to coaching decisions. Serbia has a few promising midfielders coming through, but right now, an objectively inferior player is starting in his place.

“The current coach seems to have found a combination he’s comfortable with, even if many fans disagree with it. Based on quality alone, I believe Topic should be starting, especially if we continue using a double pivot in midfield.”

A move to Norwich could very well be the key for Topic in pushing ahead in the Serbian pecking order, which will only make the transfer even more appealing to the player.