Norwich City have confirmed the signings of Robbie Brady from Hull City, and Andre Wisdom from Liverpool on Thursday, strengthening the Canaries’ ranks before the commencement of the 2015-16 Premier League season.
The pair join former West Bromwich Albion duo Yussuf Mulumbu and Graham Dorrans in joining Alex Neil’s squad, which continues to produce astute signings in their bid to craft a strong starting side come the 8th of August.
Brady, who is thought to have commanded a fee of around £7 million, arrives at Norwich following success at freshly relegated Hull City. Though Brady only scored one goal for the Tigers last season, against West Brom in a 3-2 League Cup defeat, there is much cause for Norwich fans to be excited with his arrival. The 23-year-old Irishman contributed 14 goals and 21 assists in his 123 games for Hull, proving he offers both a goalscoring threat and creative spark from the wing.
However, Brady offers much more than just this, playing with a noticeably high tempo, and constantly pressing defensive lines further up the pitch. The prospect of a Nathan Redmond and Brady combination galloping down both flanks is sure to have Premier League defenders scrambling.
Norwich manager Neil praised the signing, stating “he’s dynamic, he’s got good energy to get up and down the pitch, and he’s got a fantastic left foot which makes him a real danger at set-pieces. He’s got a lot of things in his locker”.
The winger is also an established Republic of Ireland international, and will link up with fellow compatriot Wes Hoolahan at Carrow Road. Having made his début at age 20, on September 11th 2012, Brady has contributed three goals and one assist in 12 appearances.
Norwich also confirmed the loan deal for Liverpool defender Andre Wisdom, with a fee reported to be in the region of £1.25 million due to be paid to the Merseyside club. The youngster arrives at Carrow Road having completed two previous seasons on loan at Derby County and West Bromwich Albion respectively, and offers vital first team experience. Following his unveiling, Wisdom said – “I spoke to the manager, and he’s told me what he wants from myself and the team collectively. It’s going to be good and I can’t wait to get started”.
The 22-year-old, who made his Premier League début at Carrow Road as a member of parent club Liverpool, recorded 24 first team appearances for Midlands outfit West Bromwich Albion last season. Prior to this, he made 37 appearances for Derby County, highlighted by three assists as the Rams narrowly missed out on promotion, falling to Queens Park Rangers in the play-off final.
Speaking about reconnecting with former Baggies duo Yussuf Mulumbu and Graham Dorrans, Wisdom said – “I kept in contact with them and they had a lot of good things to say about the club. It’s always good to see someone you know when you come into a new environment or training ground”.
After penning a new four-year deal at Liverpool back in May, he is seen as a along term defensive option in manager Brendan Rodgers’ plans. The Reds manager believes that allowing Wisdom to collect first team experience is vital to his development, given the consensus that he is unlikely to break into Liverpool’s first team in the forthcoming season.
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It remains to be seen whether the pair will make their competitive débuts in Saturdays friendly against Brentford at Carrow Road, however, Norwich appear to be conducting business quietly and efficiently, and will almost certainly delve further into the transfer market to add further Premier League quality to their already swelling ranks.
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