First and foremost, David Wagner’s club is in sixth place because they are a good team, and it has taken a team effort to get the Canaries there.
However, there is no disputing that Norwich has three standout players who have contributed significantly to their success this season: Gabriel Sara, Jonathan Rowe, and Josh Sargent.
The Brazilian midfielder has been a joy to watch, with his all-around game making him one of the league’s best players in his position, earning him a spot on the Team of the Year.
Meanwhile, despite having irregular seasons due to injury, Rowe and Sargent have been extremely productive.
The intriguing young winger has scored 12 goals in 30 games, while Sargent has 15 in 24. So we’re talking about two fantastic attackers who, unsurprisingly, have been linked with moves to the Premier League.
When you throw in the 12 goals that Sara has registered, you get three players who have combined for 39 of the 77 goals that the side have scored, which is just over 50%.
Simply put, when people have such a significant impact on a second-tier team, they will attract attention, with clubs around the country taking notice.
Wolves and Aston Villa are understood to be keeping an eye on Rowe, while Brentford is interested in Sargent. In recent days, it has been reported that Crystal Palace is scouting Sara, but they will not be the only ones.
As a result, promotion is critical for the Yellows.
Norwich, unlike many opponents, even at this level, lacks the financial resources to turn down big bids for their players. Furthermore, it is impossible to stand in the way of players who want to play in the top division and will undoubtedly receive a significant salary increase in the process.
Of course, this plan has the potential to work, as evidenced by Brentford and Brighton, both of which have sold significant players over the years yet have continued to grow as clubs.
However, even if all of these players fetch high salaries, it will be extremely difficult for Norwich to replace them.
You could easily speak about the trio bringing in more than £60 million, which is a large number for a Championship team, and if spent wisely, the squad might be strengthened in principle.
However, for the fans, it is not about money in the bank. They want to see the best Norwich side possible, as well as the club’s return to the Premier League and competitiveness, which would be expected if Sara, Rowe, and Sargent were on the squad.
It’s difficult to find midfielders like Sara, who can score, assist, and have amazing technique or someone with the speed and dribbling ability of Rowe, whilst Sargent’s movement and work-rate make him a constant threat.
Like all clubs in the promotion race, going up is important, but it feels especially pivotal for Norwich.
Another year in the Championship would be their third in a row, which means the parachute payments will begin to decline, and sales will be unavoidable as teams compete for their key players.
If Wagner’s team is preparing for Premier League football in 2024/25, you’d expect them to be able to stave off interest in their star trio, but if they don’t get promoted, you’d be concerned about losing one, two, or all three of Sara, Rowe, and Sargent.
The possibility of a reconstruction at Carrow Road without that trio is one that will scare Norwich fans, therefore it’s no exaggeration to state that how these next few weeks play out, might shape the future of the club in the years to come.
The Canaries’ fate is in their hands in their final two games as they aim to finish in the top six and qualify for the play-offs, but that’s where things get interesting. West Bromwich Albion, Southampton, and one of Leeds United, Leicester City, or Ipswich Town are expected to enter the end-of-season lottery.
Norwich will be among the outsiders to win promotion, but doing so would provide more than just a return to the Premier League; it might also safeguard the futures of Sara, Rowe, and Sargent.
