Johannes Hoff Thorup has set himself the challenge of finding Norwich City’s missing striker link, with injured star Josh Sargent sidelined for two months.
Several Championship clubs have been linked with a move for Hungarian midfielder, Tamas Nikitscher.
The latest report from Nemzeti Sport claims that Tamas Nikitscher is currently being eyed up by Championship clubs, Norwich City, Middlesbrough and Coventry City.
However, they are not the only clubs interested in the Hungarian, as teams from Germany and Spain are also said to be keen. It appears that Nikitscher has plenty of options if he wishes to depart his current club this January, and the Championship could be a tempting destination.
The 25-year-old currently plays his football in the Hungarian top flight, so he will be reasonably unknown to fans of Norwich, Boro and Coventry, but he has recently featured on the international stage.
Nikitscher made his debut for the Hungary senior team in September and has since made four appearances for his country, despite not playing in one of the big European leagues.
There is no denying that he would be a risk, as the Championship is an incredibly challenging test, but he certainly has the qualities to thrive, and could be reasonably cheap given his team’s current situation.
Carlton Palmer offers verdict on Hungarian midfielder
Carlton Palmer in charge of Mansfield Town in 2005
Nikitscher would arrive in the Championship with little expectation on his shoulders given the league he is coming from, so as Carlton Palmer suggests, he may be a risk worth taking for the clubs that are targeting him.
“He’s been very impressive, despite his club’s struggles. His team sit bottom of the table, but he has been consistently performing. He’s a 6ft 4 midfield player who can play centrally or in attacking areas.”
“He has impressed that much that he has been a regular for Hungary in their Nations League campaign, starting their last three games against Bosnia and the Netherlands.”
Tamas Nikitscher’s four appearances for Hungary’
“Obviously, with the team struggling, there is a lot of speculation about his future. His agent has come out and said there has been a lot of attention on the player, and they are considering all options. I think it’s likely that he’s going to move on, but his agent is saying they need to find a club which will suit his style of play where he can develop and step forward.”
“The agent is saying ‘no rush’, but I think there’s a possibility in January that he would move on. It’s always a risk signing a player that has not played in the league, but if he’s playing for the Hungarian national side at the age of 25, he’s clearly got some talent.”
“Depending on the price they would have to pay to get him out of the football club, it could be a gamble worth taking for the likes of Coventry, Boro and Norwich, who are looking to push on and make a challenge for the Championship play-offs for Christmas onwards.”
“You do your homework, you watch the player, and these are the risks, sometimes, that are worth taking.”
Tamas Nikitscher’s current situation
As Palmer states, Nikitscher’s current club, Kecskemeti TE, are currently at the bottom of the Hungarian top flight, having gained just five points in 13 games, so the midfielder could be aiming for a move away.
Despite the club’s struggles, he is putting in some impressive performances that have ultimately earned him call-ups to the Hungary senior squad. He scored two goals in one league game earlier in the season, before making four appearances for his country.
Nikitscher’s contract expires next summer, so perhaps his club will look to cash in in January, which provides an opportunity for those Championship clubs to strike a deal midway through the season.
Coventry City corner flag
Perhaps his best bet would be Coventry City. They have had their struggles on the pitch this season, and central midfield is one position they need to focus on in January, so he may get more game time there than at Middlesbrough and Norwich.
It is yet to be known whether he will leave Hungary in January, but if he does, then it may be a risk worth taking.
