Why Papa Diallo ‘always wanted Norwich City’ move after Watford snub, Liam Manning was ‘very important’

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Norwich City have completed the signing of Papa Amadou Diallo from French side Metz, who has revealed why he made the Canaries move.

Norwich City are continuing their impressive summer transfer window business as Liam Manning builds a squad destined to make a top-six push next season.

The most expensive addition to his side this summer came as Norwich signed Mathias Kvistgaarden in a deal which cost £6.9m for the forward.

Recently, Norwich signed Jeffrey Schlupp after his exit from Premier League Crystal Palace, with Ben Knapper “delighted” with the Schlupp deal.

Building on the Canaries’ stellar signings, the latest Carrow Road recruit comes in the form of Senegalese wideman Papa Diallo, who has revealed why he “always wanted” to sign for Norwich.

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Why Papa Diallo signed for Norwich City under Liam Manning

Amid Diallo’s arrival, the Canaries boss also received a boost in terms of potential outgoings, as Josh Sargent’s move to Wolfsburg fell through earlier this week with Norwich and the German giants failing to agree on financial terms.

Whether Sargent stays at Carrow Road remains to be seen. But one thing for certain is that Norwich have beaten Championship rivals Watford to sign winger Diallo from Ligue 2 side Metz for an undisclosed fee.

Watford were in talks to sign Diallo for £4.3m earlier in July, but Norwich have won the race for Diallo after he was left out of Metz’s pre-season training camp in Belgium.

The 19-year-old scored seven goals and registered four assists in 28 appearances for Metz last season, and after he was announced by Norwich, Diallo revealed why he “always wanted” the move.

Diallo told Norwich’s website: “I’m so excited for this new journey. The sporting director (Ben Knapper) and head coach (Liam Manning) have been very important for me, and I can’t wait to start working at the club.

“It has been my dream to play in England – something new for me, but I am ready and prepared for the challenge ahead.

“I really always wanted Norwich City. I am excited about the project and the vision for this club and I can’t wait to come to England and meet my new team-mates and the supporters.”

With Diallo’s acquisition being the latest in a string of impressive summer coups in Manning’s first months in charge at Carrow Road, Norwich will be contenders for a play-off place next season.

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Ben Knapper reveals what Papa Diallo will bring to Norwich City

Norwich have made a “statement of intent” with the summer transfer window business ahead of the 2025/26 Championship campaign, and Diallo’s signing is the latest impressive addition.

In what could be the best Championship season yet, the Canaries will need to replace the goalscoring void left by 18-goal winger Borja Sainz.

After Sainz left Norwich for Porto, there is little expectation for the Senegalese starlet to live up to the Spaniard’s numbers.

Regardless, Canaries chief Knapper is excited by the qualities that Diallo will bring to Carrow Road.

Norwich sporting director Knapper said: “Papa is a huge talent, and we’re delighted to have won the race for his signature.

“Despite having multiple offers from across Europe, he fought hard to join us, and we’re excited to have him on board to help us work towards our objective of reaching the Premier League.

“He’s a player with enormous potential and he’ll add pace, and a real directness, to our attacking options. He can play in multiple positions and is comfortable operating on both the outside and inside.

“He will provide real penetration both with his movement and ability to carry the ball and commit players one versus one.

“He’s had a great footballing education up until this point, and we’re looking forward to seeing him further develop in our environment as both a person and player.”