Stuart Webber has a warning for Norwich City’s young players - don’t think one season in the Premier League means you’re ready for a big-money move.
Webber was speaking on the Beautiful Game podcast, and when pressed on Todd Cantwell’s future and the price any prospective buyer would have to play, the Welshman replied: “It’s hard to put a figure on it, but you only have to look at what certain players are being touted for.
“I looked on a gossip column and Jack Grealish was being touted to Manchester United for £75m, well if that’s the benchmark, then what has Todd done differently to Jack Grealish?”
The Canaries sit bottom of the Premier League ahead of their top-flight restart against Southampton at Carrow Road on Friday - but their top talent continue to be linked with moves away from the club.
City’s sporting director has urged the clubs young players to take a more modest approach to their career progression - citing Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk as an example.
“These players have to be careful, and the people around them, of not believing they should move on too quickly and not thinking they’ve outgrown somewhere too quickly.
“I look at some players like (Virgil) van Dijk, who I’m sure we can agree is the best centre-half in the world. Look at his journey though, Groningen, played every week, Celtic, played every week with European exposure, Southampton then Liverpool.
“It’s very hard for players to make that step at 20 or 21 to play at the top level clubs. Not impossible, but very difficult. You’ve got to time it right.
“I look at our young players and I think, you’ve had one season in the Premier League - that doesn’t mean you’re ready to play for Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham, Man City, Liverpool etcetera.
“That’s where we have to be really careful in terms of over-hyping these young players too much. You have to earn your right there.
“We’re incredibly proud of what our young players have done because they’ve served the club brilliantly and they’re fantastic ambassadors for the club and great people, which is the most important thing.”
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