As the Portland Timbers prepare to host English Premier League side Norwich City at JELD-WEN Field on Wednesday night (8pm PT, TICKETS), find out all you need to know about the visitors’ summer signings.
After finishing 11th in the most popular league in the world last season, manager Chris Hughton decided to strengthen his squad by bringing in some exciting players ahead of the new campaign.
The Canaries moved quickly to make the loan signing of Javier Garrido from Lazio permanent before adding five new recruits and each of them are in the team’s travel squad for preseason tour of the United States.
Here is a breakdown of the five new Norwich City signings, who could make an appearance against the Timbers on Wednesday.
RICKY VAN WOLFSWINKEL
Age: 24
Position: Striker
Previous Club: Sporting Lisbon (Portugal)
International: Netherlands 2 caps
Notes: Big things are expected of the fleet-footed Van Wolfswinkel (above) after becoming Norwich’s record signing, as he has proved himself as a lethal finisher during his time in the Netherlands and Portugal. He now aims to make the step up in England.
What did Chris Hughton have to say about him?
“We have brought Ricky in for a particular reason, but he is a team player, first and foremost, that has a responsibility to the team to lead the line and ultimately score goals, but that comes with the territory.”
Did You Know?
In his two seasons with Sporting Lisbon, Van Wolfswinkel – known as The Wolf – scored over 20 goals to record a hugely impressive tally of 45 goals from 88 games.
LEROY FER
Age: 23
Position: Midfielder
Previous Club: FC Twente (Netherlands)
International: Netherlands 2 caps
Notes: An energetic box-to-box midfielder, who is just as good breaking up opposition moves as he is creating opportunities for his team, Fer is powerful, direct and reliable. He should be able to handle the physicality of English football and emerge as a real star.
What did Chris Hughton have to say about him?
“He’s a very versatile Dutch international and at 23 he has that pleasing balance of having acquired experience playing over 100 games in the Dutch League, but still having plenty of time ahead of him to continue his development as a player with us at Norwich City.”
Did You Know?
Fer almost joined Everton back in January, but he has kept busy since, helping the Netherlands Under 21’s reach the semi-finals of this summer’s European Championships.
NATHAN REDMOND
Age: 19
Position: Winger
Previous Club: Birmingham City
International: England U21 3 caps
Notes: Considered to be one of the most talented English youngsters to have made the breakthrough in recent years, Redmond is a lot like Theo Walcott – best when attacking with the ball at his feet, able to play out wide or up front, and only going to get better.
What did Chris Hughton have to say about him?
“Predominantly, he’s played in the wide areas. He’s good on the ball, likes to come infield and ultimately would be able to play anywhere, perhaps other than as a main No 9. He’s still young, but how well he does is up to him.”
Did You Know?
Birmingham-born Redmond made his debut for the Blues as a 16-year-old to become the club’s second-youngest player and he went on to play 62 games.
MARTIN OLSSON
Age: 25
Position: Left Back
Previous Club: Blackburn Rovers
International: Sweden 15 caps / 4 goals
Notes: A proven player in the English Premier League, Olsson spent last term in the Championship following relegation with Blackburn, but will be itching to make an impact on his return to the top flight. An attack-minded full back, he should prove to be an astute addition.
What did Chris Hughton have to say about him?
“He’s been playing in England for seven years and is well acclimatized to the Premier League. He can play anywhere on the left-hand side, so he brings us good flexibility in that sense, plus at 25, he’s at an age where he has some experience and some time to improve.”
Did You Know?
Martin’s twin brother, Marcus, played with him at Blackburn Rovers and his brother-in-law is NBA star Dirk Nowitzki, who plays for the Dallas Mavericks.
CARLO NASH
Age: 39
Position: Goalkeeper
Previous Club: Stoke City
Notes: Brought in to provide cover to goalkeepers John Ruddy and Mark Bunn, this veteran should bring the best out of his teammates by pushing them hard in training and providing inside tips. He may not play a lot of games, but will be ready if called upon.
What did Chris Hughton have to say about him?
“It is now important to us to bring in a keeper of great experience and a player that is used to living life in the Premier League. At this time, it’s about improving the squad that we have.”
Did You Know?
Norwich will be Nash’s 10th different club in England, although he did not make a single appearance during his time with his last two teams – Stoke City and Everton.
Gareth Maher is a contributing writer to PortlandTimbers.com. He is a frequent writer about soccer for the Irish Daily Mail in Dublin as well as ESPNFC.com.
