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With Liam Manning at the helm, big things are expected of Norwich City next season, and we’ve taken a look at how their starting XI could look come August if they get all their wishes in the transfer market.
After enticing Liam Manning away from Bristol City, Norwich City have wasted no time in giving the new boss what he needs to improve his squad.
We revealed a fortnight ago that Norwich wanted to sign Harry Darling, and the Canaries have now confirmed that deal has gone through.
Manning will also need to add a new goalkeeper, midfield reinforcements, and a new wide man, assuming that Borja Sainz is on his way out of the club.
So, with all this in mind, here’s how the Norwich starting XI could look at the beginning of the new Championship campaign.
Norwich’s ideal starting XI for 2025/26
Vladan Kovacevic
Having let Angus Gunn go and appearing keen to move on George Long, it’s safe to say Norwich need a new number one goalkeeper. New signing Daniel Grimshaw is certainly an option, but we believe Norwich will push ahead with their pursuit of Vladan Kovacevic and make him the main man between the sticks.
Kellen Fisher
Kellen Fisher has attracted Premier League attention after his impressive rise last season, and he’s sure to develop even more in 2025/26. The 21-year-old will be a key figure in Manning’s new-look defence, and will be one of the best young players to watch in the league next term.
Harry Darling
Despite interest from Rangers, Norwich captured Harry Darling this week. The centre-half comes in on the back of a brilliant campaign with Swansea City, and brings physicality, aerial presence, and comfortability on the ball to the backline. For absolutely free, he could be one of the signings of the season.
Jose Cordoba
Alongside Darling, Jose Cordoba will look to build on a solid first season in England and become a reliable head in what should be a very strong Norwich defence.
Lucien Mahovo
Lucien Mahovo didn’t get much time to show what he could do last season, with injury hampering his progress. But he will be ready to explode onto the scene in 2025/26. With Fisher on one side, and Mahovo on the left, Liam Manning really is blessed with two very exciting full-backs.
Jacob Wright
Norwich’s first signing of the summer was Jacob Wright, with the young midfielder making his loan spell at Carrow Road permanent. He’s set to be one of the brightest young Championship stars next season, and we can’t wait to see him get a full campaign under his belt.
Harrison Reed
Alongside Wright, Norwich will need an experienced head in the middle of the park. They’ve been linked with a few different players for this role, but Fulham’s Harrison Reed appears to be the most feasible and tangible link so far. He comes with top level pedigree and would add bite to the Norwich midfield.
Matej Jurasek
Another young player in this Norwich side who has the potential to really step up next season and show what he can do is Matej Jurasek. Having joined in January, the Czech winger took some time to settle and only made two appearances, but he’s got the quality to succeed if he’s given the chance.
Jamie Donley
With the players Norwich are set to lose, they’ll need creativity and flair in the attacking third, and Jamie Donley will offer that in abundance. He was one of the best loan signings last season, flourishing with Leyton Orient in League One. Now, the Spurs youngster is ready for more and should be borrowed by a top Championship club like Norwich.
Scott Twine
The likes of Napoli and Porto are bidding for Borja Sainz already, and the Spaniard seems destined to leave this summer. In his place, Manning may raid his old club Bristol City and take one of the best players at Ashton Gate, Scott Twine. He can play centrally or out on the left, and is a striker’s dream with the balls he puts into the box.
Ante Crnac
Norwich are also poised to lose Josh Sargent this summer, with Leeds looking at the US striker. In his place, it’s time for Ante Crnac to really step up and prove himself at this level. The 21-year-old showed glimpses of his potential last season with seven goals and five assists, but he could well become one of the top forwards in the division in 2025/26.