Norwich City have added another key cog to their squad ahead of the 2013-14 EPL season.
Highly rated Dutch midfielder Leroy Fer has joined on a four-year deal from FC Twente. The 23-year-old has joined striker Ricky van Wolfswinkel as Chris Hughton continues to bolster his squad over the off season.
Fer was previously tracked by Everton, but a potential move to the Toffees fell through back last summer. And the Dutch international impressed for Holand’s U-21 side in the European Championships this summer, as his stock around Europe rose further.
The Canaries look set to push on from their 11th placed finish last season, after Hughton’s side climbed away from relegation trouble in the final few weeks of the season. Solid defense was their mantra, but now Hughton seems to be adding some flair and creativity to their offense that struggled last season. Only Stoke and QPR scored less than Norwich’s 41 goals last season. Improvement going forward is needed.
Fer has been a key man for Twente in recent seasons after joining them from FC Feyenoord. Described as a “powerhouse” by Norwich on their website, 6 foot 3 Fer can operate in a variety of oppositions in midfield. But is that really what Norwich needed after a season of struggle in front of goal last term?
Yes Fer is a great player with a big future ahead, but players such as Jonny Howson and Bradley Johnson performed superbly in that “midfield destroyer” role last term.
Regardless, Hughton was delighted to welcome Fer on board.
He’s a very versatile Dutch international and at 23 he has that pleasing balance of having acquired experience playing over 100 games in the Dutch League – but still having plenty of time ahead of him to continue his development as a player here with us at Norwich City.
Many expected Norwich to flounder under Hughton last season, following Paul Lambert’s exit from Carrow Road. But they survived and played good football at times. Solid yet unspectacular would sum them up.
Fer has incredible qualities, no doubt. Everton and plenty of other EPL sides have been tracking him for some time. Norwich have landed the Dutchman but I’m just worried that he won’t add that much to their EPL survival bid this season.
Because despite stability last term, Norwich will have to strengthen further if they want another season of mid-table obscurity. If not, the EPL trap door may come calling.
