EFL Championship Club Targets Star Player from Arch-Rival Club!

Norwich City Chase Bid for Ipswich Town Attacker

Norwich City are looking into the possibility of making a move for Ipswich Town forward Sammie Szmodics in the dying stages of this January transfer window, according to SportsBoom.

The 30-year-old forward has struggled with an unfortunate blend of injuries and poor form at stages through the season, limiting him to just eight Championship starts, and Norwich City have been heavily involved in a race for a new striker over the course of the window amidst a dramatic falling out with Josh Sargent.

As such, The Canaries were progressing well with a deal for Bodo/Glimt striker Kasper Hogh in recent weeks, but nerves are starting to show over whether they can get a move done 25-year-old Dane, who scored a Champions League brace against Manchester City just a few days ago. As such, Philippe Clement is identifying new targets with Szmodics a potential option for them.

Szmodics in Line for Potential Rival Switch

Of course, this would not be the first time in recent memory that these two enemies have engaged in business - the transfer of highly-rated midfield star Marcelino Nunez from Norwich to Ipswich was of much controversy back in the summer (and his celebrations in the East Anglia derby against his old club won't soon be forgotten).

So happy Sammie Szmodics is off the mark already after scoring yesterday.

I heard a lot saying he won’t score many in the prem, but as I said the goal doesn’t move whatever league you play in!

I think he will be starting most games at the expense of Chaplin.

#itfc pic.twitter.com/UlH5eN7gtT

— Louis. (@B19LFS) August 25, 2024

However, this deal would be one that comes at a time of sense for both parties involved. The war at home between American striker Josh Sargent and Norwich City has been very well-scrutinised already, and Norwich City are going to be in need of a new player capable of playing at striker when he inevitably makes his move to Toronto in the MLS.

Szmodics has been a solid enough get for Ipswich Town since joining from Blackburn Rovers at the start of last season. After a stunning 27-goal-haul in Lancashire the season prior, he joined to make 20 Premier League appearances for the Tractor Boys and scored four goals. His game time has dwindled since through a blend of fitness and form issues, and a change of scenery may benefit the Republic of Ireland international best at this time.

Høgh Deal Causing Panic

Norwich City are reportedly in the running with a £6m move for Bodø/Glimt striker Kasper Høgh as a replacement for the wantaway Sargent. However, time is beginning to run out to bring a new forward through the door, and the hierarchy at Carrow Road have kept their options open to more available options should they need to look at a new target in the final days of the window.

✍️ Derby are looking at a deal to sign Sammie Szmodics from Ipswich.

(via @mcgrathmike)

John Eustace LOVES that Blackburn team he managed 🤣 pic.twitter.com/r9wCEcuyqG

— The #EFL Zone (@TheFLZone) January 28, 2026

Szmodics is one of those potential alternatives, emanating as a different target to chase should Høgh’s move not come to fruition in the end. He may only have one goal in the Championship under Kieran McKenna this term, but he has chops at this level - the former Peterborough man won the Championship Golden Boot with a nearly-relegated Blackburn Rovers just two years ago.

They will have to move fast if they want him, though - the manager of that Blackburn side, John Eustace, is aiming for a reunion with himself and Szmodics at Derby County.