Norwich’s promotion aspirations could depend on which players they keep

This is a very important summer for Norwich as they look to emulate what they did two seasons ago and make an instant return to the Premier League.

On paper, you would think the squad is well equipped to certainly be challenging for the top six and maybe even pushing beyond that, with the club boasting some talented players.

The hardest thing this summer will not be attracting players to the club, but perhaps convincing the ones they already have to stay for the long slog ahead.

Nathan Redmond’s departure seemed inevitable in the end, with the winger linked with a move away from the Canaries for some time, eventually heading to Southampton.

The England Under-21 man’s departure was met with a mixed reaction from Norwich fans, but I am certain that he will prove to be a sore miss.

Nathan Redmond departed for Southampton earlier in the summer. Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.

The winger chipped in with a few goals last campaign, following on from a Championship promotion season where he scored a decisive Wembley goal, as well as topping the club’s assist chart.

He has had his critics, but the statistics from his last two seasons speak for themselves. Replacing Redmond could prove easier for Alex Neil than you’d think though.

The City boss has a few options, including dynamic twins, Jacob and Josh Murphy. The wingers have both returned following successful seasons away on loan and will be itching to be part of Neil’s plans.

The arrival from Liverpool of Sergi Canos, who proved his attacking capabilities with Brentford last season, will be a massive boost to the Canaries.

A fee of £2.5 million has been touted and that could be a steal if the attacker lives up to his potential, plus he adds some much-needed flair to the Norwich squad following Redmond’s departure.

The return of Matt Jarvis will be a massive boost, with the winger missing a large chunk of the season with a few injury problems. He has the potential to be a match winner and could be required to play a bigger role should the club sell Irish international Robbie Brady.

Robbie Brady could be in demand after an impressive Euro 2016 with the Republic of Ireland. Photo: Mark Leech / Offside

Interest in Brady has been rumoured to be quite high after his impressive displays at Euro 2016, but the Canaries supposedly want a figure in the region of £15 million before they consider selling.

The club might be thankful that Swiss international Timm Klose did not go to the Euros, which would surely boost their chances of keeping hold of one of their prized assets. He was a huge miss when injury curtailed his season last term, and keeping him would significantly improve Norwich’s chances of an instant return to the Premier League.

Another forgotten man is Ricky Van Wolfswinkel, who has spent a couple of seasons out on loan and has now returned back to the Canaries to prove his worth once again.

The club need to strengthen up front, with Cameron Jerome the only regular striker still at the club, but RVW may fancy his chances of staking his claim to regain the number nine shirt.

There are several twists and turns ahead before the transfer window finally closes, but it already feels like it could come down to who Norwich can keep their hands on.