Youssef Chermiti joins: How Norwich City’s dream end to the transfer window looks | OneFootball

How Norwich can add goals and imagination without breaking their model, or the bank.

As the summer window approaches its conclusion, Norwich City’s business has been steady rather than spectacular.

Defensive reinforcements have been prioritised, but there remains a lingering sense among supporters that the squad still lacks sufficient creativity in midfield and adequate flexibility in attack.

That unease is compounded by relentless speculation surrounding Josh Sargent, whose departure would significantly weaken the Canaries' goalscoring threat, whilst anger has arisen due to the deal being agreed to send Marcelino Nunez to bitter rivals Ipswich Town.

In this context, a “dream” yet realistic end to the window would not involve extravagant expenditure but rather targeted, intelligent recruitment in areas of need.

Norwich have historically thrived when identifying undervalued talent from niche markets, while also making effective use of Premier League loan pathways.

With that in mind, three players stand out as potential solutions.

Elliot Stroud, Mjallby

At 23, Elliot Stroud has established himself as one of the more intriguing talents in Sweden’s Allsvenskan with Mjällby.

Across over 80 senior appearances, he has contributed 15 goals ahead of their clash with Halmstads BK on Saturday, while also developing a reputation for consistency and versatility.

Stroud is the type of midfielder Norwich supporters have been calling for: someone who can both advance the ball and offer a genuine end product from deeper positions.

He is comfortable playing between the lines, frequently dropping into half-spaces to link play before breaking forward into the box.

His progressive passing metrics in Sweden are among the strongest in the division, underlining his suitability for a side that needs more incision, particularly now with the aforementioned departure of Nunez.

Norwich’s recruitment model has long shown an affinity for the Scandinavian market - and have raided it once again this summer with Mathias Kvistgaarden from Danish side Brondby - where value can often be found ahead of the wider curve.

Stroud’s profile aligns neatly with the Canaries' current needs: a midfielder capable of progressing possession, arriving in the penalty area, and providing an additional creative outlet in a side that has leaned heavily towards defensive stability this summer.

Youssef Chermiti, Everton

Youssef Chermiti arrived at Everton in the summer of 2023 with significant expectations following his development at Sporting CP.

Still only 21, the Portugal youth international striker remains physically imposing and technically capable, but he has found minutes difficult to come by at Goodison Park.

Everton have since placed him on the loan list, with Rangers and several Championship sides expressing interest.

For Norwich, Chermiti represents both an opportunity and a safeguard. His 6'3" frame makes him a natural aerial presence, yet he is also mobile enough to run channels and link play with midfielders arriving from deeper positions.

That blend of physicality and potential makes him an attractive “project striker” for a Championship club looking to develop talent without overcommitting financially.

Most significantly, Chermiti could soften the impact of a potential Sargent departure. Even if the American remains at Carrow Road, the Portuguese forward would diversify Norwich’s attacking options and lessen the reliance on a single goalscorer.

His record in Portugal’s top flight (three goals and two assists from 16 games) suggests there is a finisher waiting to be unlocked in the right environment, and a loan would align perfectly with Norwich’s appetite for short-to-medium-term value.

Jaden Heskey, Manchester City

At Manchester City, Jaden Heskey, son of Emile, has developed into a leader within their youth structure, but while senior appearances are yet to arrive, his technical polish and composure in decisive moments in youth games have marked him out as a forward of real promise.

Norwich have a proven track record of successfully integrating loan players from elite academies, and Heskey fits the profile of a high-upside addition who could thrive in the Championship.

His ability to operate as either a striker, wide forward or in central midfield, would give Liam Manning tactical flexibility, particularly in games where Norwich need pace and unpredictability late on.

Heskey’s grounding at Manchester City also ensures he has been schooled in a high-intensity game - attributes that translate well into the demands of Championship football.

At 19, he would not be expected to start every week, but his presence would provide depth, energy and a potential future asset. Importantly, a deal of this nature would strengthen ties with Manchester City, a club Norwich have successfully partnered with before in the loan market.

With City actively seeking opportunities to place him in a competitive first-team environment, Norwich could take advantage of his availability to strengthen their attacking ranks at minimal cost.