Norwich City: January suitors will have key advantage in Borja Sainz chase - View | OneFootball

Athletic Bilbao's will have an advantage in trying to sign Borja Sainz given his history at the club.

Norwich City faced a challenging summer transfer window, losing several key players to clubs across Europe.

Jon Rowe made the move to Marseille, Abu Kamara joined Hull City, Gabriel Sara signed for Galatasaray, and Adam Idah returned to Celtic.

Those around the club would have expected rumours to subside for a while then after the August 30th deadline, but unfortunately, another one has appeared with Borja Sainz being linked to a move to Athletic Bilbao.

The Spanish winger was in the renowned academy for five years but was never afforded an opportunity in the first-team. Instead, he made his name at Deportivo Alaves before making a move to Turkey, where he put his name in light with a strong season at Giresunspor.

This sparked Norwich's interest, who signed him on a three-year contract after he left his former club.

However, after just a year and a half with the Canaries, he could be set to depart. With Bilbao as his former club and the 23-year-old likely feeling he has unfinished business at Los Leones, it may be difficult for Norwich to fend off any potential advances.

Athletic Bilbao have advantage in Borja Sainz chase

Reports emerged on Sunday, that Bilbao were interested in signing one of their former youth products in Sainz.

The winger is seen as somewhat of a Nico Williams replacement, as the club expects the 22-year-old left-winger to depart within the next year.

Sainz, although not yet at the same level as the World Cup star, has shown glimpses of brilliance during his time at Carrow Road.

If he can deliver this level of performance consistently, he could become a key player for Ernesto Valverde at Bilbao.

Under normal circumstances, Norwich would have the upper hand in retaining one of their star players.

However, the Spanish club's unique transfer policy of only signing players from the Basque Country means that they will often go above and beyond to get their local players.

Playing for the club is regarded as something of a privilege, with a unique bond between the team and its supporters that is rarely seen anywhere else in the world.

For that reason, Norwich will have a difficult time dissuading Sainz, who will likely have his heart set on a return to the club at which he spent five years of his upbringing.

This is only affirmed by the Spanish press, who are reporting that the former Alaves winger is keen on a return to his home club.

Norwich need to keep Sainz

Sainz took his time adapting to English football, but come the end of last season, he began to show Norwich fans what he was all about.

A string of good performances helped the Canaries secure play-off football, with the Spaniard netting important goals against Sheffield Wednesday and Bristol City. Albeit he struggled in both legs of the play-off semi-final against Leeds United, he has continued where he left off so far this season.

A crucial winner against Coventry City helped Norwich jump up that table, and he will be looking to continue that form post-international break.

With the departure of some key attackers, a lot of the pressure will be forced upon Sainz, who will no doubt understand he has to step up for Johannes Hoff Thorup.

This could all be in vain though, as if Bilbao come calling in January, then you can only see the talks heading one way.