Carlton Palmer backs Norwich City action following Leeds United’s summer links

 

Kenny McLean was a summer transfer target for Leeds United, but he has now extended his stay at Carrow Road.

 

Kenny McLean has signed a new deal with Norwich City, effectively ending speculation over a move to Leeds United.

Leeds were connected with the Scot before the summer transfer market closed, with former Norwich City manager Daniel Farke eyeing a reunion at Elland Road.

The 31-year-old has extended his six-year stay in East Anglia by signing a new two-year contract with the option of a third year, with the good times rolling once more under David Wagner.

Norwich are a strong chance for top-flight promotion again, and following rumours in the summer, McLean has committed his future to the club – something Carlton Palmer says is as good as any of their new acquisitions.

What has Carlton Palmer said about Kenny McLean’s new deal at Norwich City?

Palmer described McLean’s new contract as “as good as any of their summer recruits” in an exclusive interview with Football League World.

“This is a huge boost for Norwich,” he remarked. Norwich are fourth in the league with four victories, one tie, and one defeat, trailing league leaders Preston by three points.

“Kenny has signed a new two-year contract with the possibility of an extension.” He’s been there, seen it, done it, and gained promotion to the top level twice with the club, one of which romped the Championship.

“So, as good as Norwich’s business was during the summer transfer window, getting Kenny to sign again is as good as all of those signings, considering the interest that Norwich had in him.”

Why is McLean’s new contract as good as any other signing?

McLean has been with Norwich since the January transfer window in 2018, appearing in over 160 games for the Canaries since joining from Aberdeen almost six years ago.

 

He’s been there for two Championship title-winning seasons, and despite being involved in the club being relegated to the second tier at the first time of asking both times, that’s a story for another day – right now, the Carrow Road outfit must focus on earning promotion to the top flight before avoiding relegation can even be considered.

Gabriel Sara and Marcelino Nunez provide undeniable technical quality in the middle of the park, while Jacob Sorensen and Liam Gibbs make up the majority of rotation options.

McLean and former Leeds man Adam Forshaw, though, provide the nous and experience in the middle of the field that all Championship championship winning sides must if they are to strut their stuff as the finest in the division.

McLean, Lukas Rupp, Mario Vrancic, and Alex Tettey were all at the club during their previous title win, and that experience helped them over the line with a combined 74 starts to accompany Oliver Skipp, who was the young creative option – and McLean could offer that again for their current midfield stars.

Would McLean have been a good signing for Leeds United?

It appeared as though Leeds were short in the center of the pitch when Archie Gray and Ethan Ampadu were selected as their two first-choice central midfielders for the majority of the season, but Farke has options thanks to recent additions Glen Kamara and Jamie Shackleton’s return to the starting lineup.

McLean would have brought a wealth of expertise. Palmer mentioned that he had previously won two Championship titles and spent two full seasons in the Premier League. As a current Scotland international who is almost certain to make the group stages of Euro 2024, Norwich’s decision to keep hold of their man is extraordinary.

Leeds still has a top-notch midfield, and players like Joel Piroe, Willy Gnonto, and Crysencio Summerville are starting to show off their skills in the renowned white shirt as they attempt to put their disappointing season start behind them.