Norwich City are linked with a move for Hannover 96 midfielder Marvin Bakalorz, it has been claimed.
According to FussballTransfers(via EDP), Norwich City have joined the race to sign Marvin Bakalorz this summer. The midfielder was a part of the Hannover side that recently got relegated from the Bundesliga this season and a move elsewhere could be on the horizon.
However, the Canaries face stiff competition from FC Augsburg and SC Freiburg in the pursuit of Bakalorz, who is available on a free transfer.
Marvin Bakalorz: An ideal target for Norwich City
Following their promotion to the Premier League, Norwich City boss Daniel Farke will be keen to add more quality to his team this summer. The ex-Dortmund coach has already signed a lot of Bundesliga players since joining the Canaries and a move for Bakalorz might be yet another of his transfer coups.
Norwich already have a stacked midfield, boasting the services of Marco Stiepermann, Moritz Leitner and Alexander Tettey among many others. But, Tettey, at the age of 33 is nearing the final phase of his career. Mario Vrancic has been impressive in the opportunities he got but an untimely injury stopped him from nailing down a starting berth.
Hence, the addition of someone like Bakalorz will add quality and depth to the Norwich midfield next season. A former member of the Dortmund youth academy, Bakalorz is an industrious midfielder, who can offer solidity and craft in the middle third of the pitch.
He is not the most gifted player in terms of creativity. But, his willingness to win back possession coupled with his ability to cut-off opposition’s passing lanes is something that could benefit Norwich as they are likely to play on the counter for the most part of next season.
Another key aspect of Bakalorz’s gameplay is his ability to read the game. The 29-year-old has averaged over one interception per game this season. In addition, he is someone who can remain focused for the entirety of the match, especially when it comes to man-marking.
This could be useful especially when employing a leeway-oriented or an individual marking-oriented pressing scheme. And finally, it is Bakalorz’s aggression and physicality that could make him a tailor-made fit for the physically demanding nature of the Premier League.
However, what further adds to his appeal for Norwich is that he will be available on a free transfer this summer. His current contract with Hannover is set to expire at the end of June – making him an ideal transfer target for the Canaries.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored