Why Jovon Makama’s record transfer to Norwich City is a ‘clear sign of progression’ for Lincoln City

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In the wake of Jovon Makama’s big-money switch to Norwich City, we can exclusively reveal the feeling within the Lincoln City camp.

Norwich City have made some major moves in the transfer market this summer, with the likes of Mathias Kvistgaarden and Mirko Topic coming on board to join Liam Manning’s Carrow Road revolution.

One Norwich summer signing that may have gone under the radar, though, is the arrival of Jovon Makama from Lincoln City.

The League One starlet was Norwich’s 11th signing of the summer and cost the Canaries £1.2m. Now, EFL Analysis can exclusively reveal how that deal worked for all parties involved.

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Norwich City got a bargain for Jovon Makama, but Lincoln City still benefit

We spoke to our transfer expert Graeme Bailey to get some insight into how Lincoln City feel about the transfer, and why it’s actually a positive sign of progress for the Imps despite losing one of their best players.

Bailey said: “Lincoln were half-expecting him to go anyway. I think he’s an extraordinary talent. Norwich have got themselves a bargain really. He’s full of potential that boy.

“Lincoln ploughed all their previous FA Cup run money into the training ground, and that’s what it’s there to do, to produce players like this. Lincoln want to become somewhere for players to progress and then go on and earn big money moves to clubs. Lincoln of the past weren’t really known for this, but that’s what they want to be and this is a clear sign of progression for them.

“They’re really punching above their weight still, on a small budget… but they’ve invested massively in the training ground. It’s a really top-notch training ground now. They’ve spent wisely and it’s not like they needed this deal but it shows that they’re getting it right off the pitch which is a big thing for that club.”

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The role Jovon Makama could play at Norwich City this season

Last season, Makama registered 11 goals and six assists in 45 games for Lincoln. Make no mistake, they are losing one of their brightest talents and one of the best players in League One, but the player was clearly destined for bigger things.

It was originally suspected that Makama would play a bit-part role for Norwich, at least initially, but Manning has made it clear that the 21-year-old will be substantially involved with the first-team squad.

Makama has already made his Canaries debut, coming on with six minutes to go in the opening day defeat to Millwall this weekend.

Of course, with the likes of Kvistgaarden, Josh Sargent, and Ante Crnac to compete with in the attacking areas, Makama will have his work cut out to get minutes. But, Manning is clearly keen to utilise him, and if Sargent were to move on, the youngster’s game time would naturally increase.