Norwich City have completed their first summer signing by confirming the addition of experienced striker Ashley Barnes. 

The 33-year-old has signed a two-year deal at Carrow Road following his release from Championship title-winners Burnley and will officially become a City player on July 1. 

City confirmed the move via their club channels on Wednesday afternoon.

Norwich have fought off competition from across the Championship, including from Preston, Stoke and Cardiff, to land Barnes, who was given a tour of their Colney training base earlier this month prior to putting pen to paper. 

City were desperate to add an injection of mentality and experience to their squad and have moved quickly to sign Barnes, who has achieved automatic promotion in his last three Championship seasons with Burnley. 

Barnes will become a key part of their attacking ranks following the departure of Teemu Pukki and will accompany young duo Josh Sargent and Adam Idah in their striking stable next season. 

He left Burnley following their Championship triumph, netting six goals in 39 league appearances this season. 

Barnes signed for the Clarets in 2014 from Brighton and Hove Albion and is their second highest Premier League goalscorer behind Chris Wood. His most fruitful season at Turf Moor came in the 2018/19 campaign when he netted 12 top-flight goals in 37 matches. 

He has also represented Plymouth and Brighton prior to his spell at Turf Moor and has made 498 career appearances. Barnes becomes City's oldest permanent signing since Dejan Stefanovic joined the club from Fulham in 2008. 

Wagner believes Norwich have captured a player with a willingness to win at any cost, with Barnes becoming the first permanent signing of his City tenure. 

“We’re delighted to welcome Ashley to the club," Wagner said. "He is a player I’ve come across on a number of occasions and he knows exactly what it takes to be successful in this league.

The Pink Un: Ashley Barnes was a key part of Burnley's title-winning side under Vincent Kompany last season.Ashley Barnes was a key part of Burnley's title-winning side under Vincent Kompany last season. (Image: PA Images)

“It was very clear from our conversations that he has a real hunger and desire to continue to perform at the highest level. It was a feeling that we both have, the determination to do whatever it takes to win football games.

“There was a lot of competition for his signature, which says a lot about how he is respected and valued in the game.

“I’m very happy to have this deal completed early and we look forward to welcoming Ashley to the group when we return for pre-season.”

Barnes is relishing the opportunity of playing for Norwich and spoke of his desire to add another promotion to his CV next season. 

"I am delighted, over the moon that it’s finally done," Barnes said.

"I think the ambition to get back into the Premier League was the main thing.

"The conversations I had (with Stuart Webber and David Wagner) were brilliant, they showed me how they wanted me to play and how they want me to fit in to the group and I’m happy to totally push us forward and try to get us promoted next season.”