Borja Sainz stays: How Norwich City's dream 2025 January transfer window may look | OneFootball

FLW takes a look at three things that would make it a dream January transfer window for Norwich City.

Norwich City have enjoyed a good run of results in recent weeks under new boss Johannes Hoff Thorup, although the January transfer window could prove to be vitally important if they are going to sustain a serious promotion push for the rest of the season.

The Canaries secured a top-six finish last season, and they will be hoping to at least do the same again this time around as they look to make a return to the Premier League for the first time since they were relegated in 2022.

Danish head coach Hoff Thorup has produced some good results in his first few months in charge at Carrow Road, with comprehensive victories over Watford and Hull City, as well as respectable draws against Blackburn Rovers, Sheffield United and Leeds United, ensuring that he is unbeaten at home in the Championship so far.

Norwich have also beaten Coventry City and Derby County away from home, and they find themselves comfortably in the top half of the table and closing the gap on the teams inside the play-off places.

Let's take a look at a few things that Norwich supporters will want to see happen during the January transfer window that could have a significant impact on their chances of winning promotion this term.

Borja Sainz stays at the club

Borja Sainz has been one of the standout players in the Championship so far this season, having scored in the wins over Blackburn, Coventry, Watford and Hull, as well as bagging a hat-trick during Norwich's 3-2 victory against Derby at Pride Park.

However, the 23-year-old Spaniard has been linked with a move to Athletic Bilbao, a team that has been performing well in both La Liga and the Europa League under former Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde.

Sainz was born in Leioa, a municipality in the Basque Country, meaning that he is eligible to play for Athletic Bilbao, and he even spent five years at the club during his youth career before joining Alaves, the club where he started his professional career.

The fact that Athletic Bilbao are limited in terms of players that they can sign means they may go all out in an attempt to complete a deal for Sainz in January, something that would be a real blow for Norwich.

Reports in Spain have suggested that Sainz would be keen on a move to his former club and he could potentially see himself replacing Nico Williams if the highly-rated winger leaves in the next year or so.

It will be interesting to see if Norwich receive an offer for their key man in January, and even if they do, it would be the dream scenario for the fans if they could keep hold of him until the end of the season.

Josh Sargent stays at the club

American striker Josh Sargent is another player who has been impressive for the Canaries so far this season, with his goals against Blackburn, Sheffield United, and Leeds having helped Norwich earn valuable points.

The 24-year-old attracted interest from the MLS during the summer transfer window, while Premier League side AFC Bournemouth were also said to be keen on the striker.

Ensuring that they keep hold of Sargent in January will be important for Norwich if they are going to mount a promotion push this season, and it would certainly contribute to a dream transfer window for the supporters.

A new centre-back is brought in

Defender Shane Duffy has impressed alongside Jose Córdoba at the heart of Norwich's defence in recent weeks, but they could consider signing another centre-back in January, especially considering the 32-year-old missed a number of games through injury last season.

Duffy has stated that he is comfortable playing out from the back, having done so during his time at Brighton & Hove Albion, and he has been proving any doubters wrong recently with his performances.

However, if Duffy or Córdoba do pick up an injury, Grant Hanley may not be as comfortable during the Canaries' precise build-up play, while Brad Hills, Jonathan Tomkinson, and Jaden Warner probably do not have the required experience to become regular starters just yet.