Philippe Clement weighs in on Hugh Jackman Norwich City bid

Philippe Clement said the involvement of the Hollywood star, a well-known Canaries fan, could help raise the club’s profile internationally.

"It's important that people like him can give another boost to the club," he said.

Hugh Jackman says he is in talks to purchase a stake in Norwich City (Image: Ian West/PA Wire)

"Those are global figures. Those are people who are followed by a lot of people all over the world.

"If they are engaged in the club, you will get more fans from all over the world, more attention.

"That's an important thing for the club also, to grow."

The Belgian believes such backing would not have been likely had the club been playing in League One.

And he said the club’s owners had told him that Jackman is a genuine supporter and believes his involvement could only help.

Philippe Clement has weighed in on Hugh Jackman's bid to buy a stake in Norwich City (Image: Matt Wilkinson/Focus Images Ltd)

"I heard also from the owners that he's a really big fan of the club," Clement continued.

"That can only help to make the brand of Norwich more global.

"You've seen it with other clubs also, how much it helps to have that, and that it helps the club grow again."

He also highlighted the financial benefits of increased global interest, particularly under new monetary rules.

Clement suggested the club could benefit financially from media projects such as documentaries, pointing out that other clubs have already tapped into this market.

Hugh Jackman often speaks of his love for the Canaries (Image: PA Wire)

"Now the club needs to find revenue in all the places possible to grow, because everybody is doing it and the world is evolving," he added.

Jackman, who is said to be worth £100m, confirmed on Thursday he was in talks to purchase a stake in Norwich City.

The 57-year-old - who has links to Norfolk through his mother, who still lives in Norwich – said: “I went to Carrow Road a couple of times, and I love the Canaries, and this is the year we’re going to get promoted. That’s my prediction."

The club is currently owned by Norfolk Holdings group, headed up by Mark Attanasio.

The Norfolk Holdings group upped its club shares in March last year, taking the reins from Delia Smith and Michael Wynn Jones, and now owns around 85pc of them.

Hugh Jackman is a Norwich City fan and often visits the city (Image: Ian West/PA Wire)

It is understood that discussions between the club and Jackman have been going on for some time now and that investment would be into Norwich City and not Norfolk Holdings group.

Celebrity fans Delia Smith and Michael Wynn-Jones still retain a 10pc stake after their 28 years of active leadership ended in 2024.

A collection of independent fans and individual investors holds the remaining shares.

Superstar's NCFC backing welcomed - by Izzy Hollyhead

Hollywood star Hugh Jackman is in talks to buy shares in NCFC sparking excitement in the city with market traders sharing their opinions on the potential deal.

Alfie McComb, who runs Dottie’s Treats and Sweets, had a smile on his face as he sported the team's yellow and green crest on his jacket.

Alfie McComb who runs Dotties Treats and Sweets (Image: Isabel Hollyhead)

The 38-year-old said: "I think it'll be a good edition."

He believes it would be a positive move with hardly any negatives to have someone as famous as Jackman taking an interest in the club.

"It’s just nice to get a bit of investment going," he added.

Paul who works Kojak Barber (Image: Isabel Hollyhead)

Paul, of Kojak Barber, was less enthusiastic but said it would be helpful to get endorsement from a celebrity who is familiar with the area.

He said: "I'm all in for him getting involved in the club now he's got plenty of money."

Grace who is 21 and works at Churros for the People (Image: Isabel Hollyhead)

Grace, 21, who works at Churros for the People, added: "He's a big fan of the city itself."

She added that a bit of extra money from a respected actor would be a good thing for the club.

Ryan who works at the fruit and veg stall on the market (Image: Isabel Hollyhead)

Ryan Wiley, 36, who works at CJ's Fruit and Veg on the market with his brother, said: “I think any publicity is always a good thing.”

Peter Weatherill who runs B'Leaf with his partner, Clare (Image: Isabel Hollyhead)

Liverpool fan Peter Weatherill, 53, works in B'Leaf in the Royal Arcade, echoed that ethos and said a celebrity buying into any club is always good for promotion.

He added: "People that don’t normally watch football but like Hugh Jackman will then get into football more."