New Messi or new James? Either way, Norwich have struck gold
Published:
Over the course of the transfer window you’ve probably been bombarded with various ‘new’ Ronaldos, Bales and Messis. Perhaps unfortunately, we’ve got another one, sort of.
Juan Fernando Quintero has been linked with a move to Norwich, with Tutto Mercato Web reporting that the Canaries have put a deal on the table for the Porto man.
A standout performance in the 2013 U-20 World Cup led Turkey’s Ambassador for Fair Play at the tournament Kubilay Turkyilmaz to describe how Quintero “could go on to become a player on a par with Lionel Messi”.
Maybe that was a bit of an exaggeration, but the Colombian does look like a very tidy player.
And now, despite the fact he has two years left on his current deal at the Portuguese giants, Alex Neil’s side are rumoured to be close to completing a deal.
The Dragons inserted a €40m release clause into his contract upon his arrival from Pescara, but has failed to make much of an impact under Julen Lopetegui and looks set to move to the Premier League for around €15m.
Just 11 league starts for the 27-time Portuguese champions in his two seasons at the club have yielded six goals, but it does appear his time at the club is approaching its climax.
He made one appearance for his nation in the World Cup last year, coming on as a second half substitute against the Ivory Coast.
He marked that occasion in great style, netting his first international goal to secure the victory for Los Cafeteros.
While Turkyilmaz may have likened him to Messi, and it’s easily to see why with an abundance of trickery and turns, his Colombian nationality could see him marked up as the next James Rodriguez.
Either way, should they bag his signature, Norwich could have a real player on their hands.
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