Kenny McLean’s position as one of Daniel Farke’s trusted lieutenants has been rubber stamped with a new Norwich City contract.
The 28-year-old midfielder started 32 of City’s matches in the Premier League last season and is currently away with Scotland for Uefa Nations League games against Israel on Friday and the Czech Republic on Monday.
His contract was due to expire in 2022 but a new three-year deal has added another year to his contract overall.
“It’s great for myself and my family to be staying here for a few more years,” said McLean. “We’ve been speaking for quite a while, since Covid, and when we spoke about it with the club it was something that all parties wanted.
“I’ve loved it since I’ve been here. It’s been a couple of years now and it’s been a bit of a roller-coaster at times but I’ve been very fortunate to be a part of it all.
“Obviously, promotion back to the Premier League is our ambition, that’s what we want. When you get the taste for it, you want more.
“That’s what everybody here wants and I’m just excited to be a part of that for the next few years.”
McLean was signed for a minimal fee in January 2018, reportedly of around £150,000, as he entered the final six months of his Aberdeen contract and remained with the Scottish Premiership side on loan initially.
An ankle injury ruined the first half of 2018-19 but the Scot worked his way into Farke’s team with three goals and six assists in 18 Championship games after returning to fitness - playing a pivotal role in a club record eight-game winning streak.
That teed up the title and McLean was one of a host of players to sign a new deal after promotion, but now he’s earned another after his head coach had described him as “unbelievably important” and “probably our most complete midfielder” towards the end of last season’s disappointing top-flight relegation campaign.
Also speaking to City’s official website, Farke said: “We are all happy and delighted it’s done. It’s a great decision for all parties.
“His status over the last two years has grown more and more. He was a pretty important piece for our success in the last Championship campaign. He was always present and integral when we won the title.
“As a player, he has a good balance. He’s physical and good in the air with many headers, he’s dynamic and aggressive in the midfield areas and also knows how to play with the ball. He’s proven he can deliver many assists on the Championship level.
“He’s a good all-round player and for that I’m very happy that he has signed this contract. He’s at a good age and is really good for the dynamic of the group.”
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