The free-agent market has proved valuable to Norwich City over the years, but who could be worth a look this summer?
From Teemu Pukki and Tim Krul to Borja Sainz, the Stuart Webber era was defined in part by smart recruitment on free transfers. Ben Knapper’s early efforts have yet to reach that level, with his additions so far including Emi Marcondes, Harry Darling, Louie Moulden and Jeffrey Schlupp.
With Bruno Alves set to become the Canaries’ first signing of the window, attention may now turn to the out-of-contract market to help fill three remaining priority positions: left-back, central midfield and winger.
Here are some Premier League and Championship options Norwich could consider this summer.
Matt Targett
Having spent last season on loan at Middlesbrough, where he made 46 appearances and registered eight goal contributions as they reached the play-off final, the left-back is now without a club following his release by Newcastle United.
Targett was one of Eddie Howe’s first signings at St James’ Park, initially joining on loan from Aston Villa in January 2022 before the move was made permanent for £15m six months later.
The 30-year-old former England youth international has also represented Fulham and Southampton earlier in his career, underlining his extensive experience in English football, with over 200 appearances in the top two divisions.
Norwich are in the market for a left-back following the departures of Harry Amass and Jeffrey Schlupp, even with Ben Chrisene and Lucien Mahovo still on the books, largely due to the availability issues the club encountered in the position last season.
Targett’s regularity on Teesside suggests he could provide a dependable solution despite his previous injury troubles at Newcastle. Combined with his technical quality, crossing ability and versatility across the left side and at centre-back, it is easy to see why he is expected to be a highly sought-after homegrown option.
Wages are likely to be the biggest barrier for Championship sides and were reportedly a stumbling block to a return to Middlesbrough. Derby are also said to be interested, with Premier League duo Leeds and Everton also tracking him.
Dennis Cirkin
Another left-back recently available following the expiration of his contract in the North East is Dennis Cirkin, who spent five years at Sunderland.
Born in Dublin to Latvian parents, the 24-year-old moved to London at a young age, progressing through the Tottenham academy before joining the Black Cats in 2021, where he went on to make 126 appearances.
With two promotions on his CV at Sunderland, the defender played a key role under Alex Neil in their League One play-off final success before establishing himself at Championship level and helping the club return to the Premier League for the first time in eight years.
Life in the top-flight has proved more challenging, with just eight appearances, largely due to a long-term wrist injury on which he has recently undergone further surgery. He also suffered a knee issue in the early months of last season.
Those fitness concerns would be a factor for the Canaries should they take a chance, but with no transfer fee attached and still only 24, he remains a rare option in his age bracket with that level of experience freely available this summer.
Strong in the tackle, aggressive in duels and tactically intelligent, Cirkin also offers the versatility to operate at centre-back, making it little surprise there is expected to be significant interest in him both domestically and across Europe.
Jairo Riedewald
Riedewald’s release from Sheffield United came as something of a surprise. Initially signed on a short-term deal in October, he extended it until the end of the season in December, impressing for the Blades with 26 appearances and three goals, including a strike against Norwich at Carrow Road in mid-March.
His departure from Bramall Lane was reportedly driven by a desire for a longer-term deal, having only been offered a one-year contract in Yorkshire, although other reports suggest the club’s financial position may also have played a part.
A defensive midfield specialist by trade, the three-time Dutch international has represented Crystal Palace, Ajax and Royal Antwerp throughout his career, making 28 outings in the Champions League and Europa League.
At 29, he brings bundles of experience alongside versatility, being able to operate at centre-back or left-back if required – a useful asset given City’s injury woes in recent times.
With Knapper seeking another central option to bolster Philippe Clement’s armoury following Sam Field’s return to QPR at the end of his loan spell, Riedewald could provide a composed, physical engine-room presence on a free transfer.
Billy Mitchell
Millwall remain desperate to keep hold of Billy Mitchell, tabling three new contract offers over the course of the last campaign, the most recent coming just last month.
However, the 25-year-old midfielder and his representatives have snubbed all of them, despite ongoing talks over a new deal.
A boyhood Lions fan, Mitchell came through the academy system and has made 196 appearances for the South London side since his debut in May 2019, scoring once.
Under the stewardship of former City boss Alex Neil, he played 30 times last season, establishing himself as a mainstay for the play-off semi-finalists when fit, although a hamstring tear kept him out for a lengthy spell over the winter.
With his prime years still ahead, over 175 Championship outings under his belt, and homegrown status, Mitchell is an attractive prospect for second-tier sides this summer.
Watford have already been linked with his services, though Norwich could comfortably match or better any offer from the Hornets, given their financial muscle.
But with Pelle Mattsson and Kenny McLean established as frontline options, and Mirko Topic, Jacob Wright and Liam Gibbs also in the mix, all contracted beyond the end of next season, would Mitchell see a clear route to the top of the pecking order?
Samuel Silvera
Among the positions Norwich are targeting, a winger stands out as the biggest priority, and it is understood to be an area they are prepared to invest in heavily.
That, in turn, makes the free-agent market a less likely avenue, with few options in the Premier League or Championship released lists matching the profile Clement is likely seeking.
Sammy Silvera, however, is an intriguing prospect. On paper, his time at the Riverside has fallen short of the heights Boro fans might have expected when he arrived from the Central Coast Mariners in 2023.
Still only 25, the Australian international – born in London – has featured 65 times for Middlesbrough, registering 13 goal contributions, including a decisive late winner at Carrow Road just months after his return to England.
Following a mixed debut season on Teesside, he spent time on loan at Portsmouth and Blackpool in 2024/25, making 27 appearances but registering just two goal involvements across both spells.
He bounced back last term under Kim Hellberg to feature 23 times, though a metatarsal stress fracture kept him out for a sizable portion of the campaign. The injury came just as he was hitting form in the new year, having bagged two goals and an assist in back-to-back games.
Silvera, capped eight times by Australia, is no stranger to Mo Toure, with the pair regularly featuring together in the Socceroos' camps. With the City striker still adjusting to early life in England, adding a familiar face could only aid the transition.
A natural right-footer comfortable on his left, the highly-rated, versatile attacker can operate on both flanks or in a central role. His explosive pace, ball-carrying and dribbling, combined with an eye for impact off the bench, make him a thorn in the side of tired defenders.
Yet inconsistency, poor decision-making, and a tendency to struggle under heavy pressure in tight spaces mark him as a risk, particularly for a Norwich side in need of a wide option capable of delivering consistent output and availability next term. The question is, is he a risk worth taking?
