Norwich City can sign new favourite from Sheffield United for just £1.4m Blades could regret summer call:
Norwich City struck a deal with Sheffield United to sign Anis Ben Slimane on loan on deadline day in the summer transfer window.
Norwich City pounced to bring midfielder Anis Ben Slimane in on loan late in the window, bolstering their ranks with the raid on Championship rivals Sheffield United.
The Tunisian was somewhat surplus to requirements at Bramall Lane upon the drop to the second-tier. He had struggled to impress in his maiden campaign in the Steel City and an exit was deemed to be for the best by Chris Wilder and many of the club’s fans.
However, Slimane is quickly making a name for himself at Carrow Road.
The midfielder dropped out of the starting XI on Tuesday night as Norwich City faced Plymouth Argyle but he came on in the second half and got in on the act as the Canaries ran riot, scoring his first goal for the club in a 6-1 thrashing of the Pilgrims.
Slimane is still taking time to get up to speed but his display off the bench was the latest to earn high praise from the Carrow Road faithful.
A welcome reminder
What some may have forgotten about the summer loan deal for Slimane is that Norwich City and Sheffield United agreed to insert a buy option. As per local reporter Connor Southwell, the option is to sign Slimane for just £1.4m but it could become an obligation if certain criteria are hit.
#NCFC have completed the loan signing of #SUFC midfielder Anis Ben Slimane.
Option to buy that could become an obligation upon certain conditions. That is understood to be £1.4m.
In his Tuesday night substitute appearance, the former Brondby IF ace linked up brilliantly with Kenny McLean in the middle. With Emiliano Marcondes given freedom to attack, Johannes Hoff Thorup might have unlocked a standout midfield trio.
Harshly judged at Bramall Lane?
The 2023/24 campaign was a tough one for all at Sheffield United, including Slimane. He struggled to make the step up to Premier League football after his summer move, with injury also limiting his availability.
However, like some others in the squad, he was perhaps deserving of a shot to prove himself in the Championship with the club before a deal being struck to potentially offload him for good after just one year.
Norwich City won’t complain though. They’re benefitting from this arguably harsh call to strike such a deal, and they will be hoping Slimane only gets better as he continues getting up to speed.
He’ll be eager to retain a place in the Canaries’ starting XI but strong competition for a place means the midfielder will have to maintain the promising levels he’s shown of late.
The Blades could be left to rue the deal they struck in the summer but time will tell just what the rest of the season has in store for Slimane and Norwich City.
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