Development emerges on Borja Sainz’s contract situation at Norwich City | OneFootball

Norwich City boss Johannes Hoff Thorup has discussed Borja Sainz's contract situation.

Norwich City boss Johannes Hoff Thorup has confirmed sporting director Ben Knapper is looking to secure the influential Borja Sainz on a long-term contract at Carrow Road.

The Spaniard joined the Canaries in the summer of 2023 on a three-year deal after leaving Giresunspor, and he enjoyed a decent first campaign in England, scoring six goals in 35 appearances.

However, Sainz has taken his game up a level this season, as he has found the net 11 times in 13 games, as well as registering two assists.

As well as that end product, Sainz has been a joy to watch with his pace and dribbling ability, and many observers would rank him as the best player in the Championship so far.

Borja Sainz contract latest

Naturally, such form has caught the eye, with reports previously claiming that Athletic Bilbao are keen on the 23-year-old, whilst his performances mean further interest is inevitable.

Sainz is under contract at Norwich until the summer of 2026, so even though it isn’t a pressing issue for the Canaries, he will enter the final 18 months of his deal when the January window opens.

Therefore, it could become problematic in the summer, as it will potentially be Norwich’s last chance to get a fee for the player, otherwise they risk losing him on a free.

So, it’s no surprise the club wants to extend his stay, as Thorup told the Pink’Un that Knapper is working on an extension for the player, who he backed to be a ‘leader’ for the Canaries.

“I hope Ben is thinking about it and I know he is. I don’t think about it in terms of their salary or contract length. He could take another step tomorrow, as he could step up and be a leader tomorrow.”

Borja Sainz is destined for the top

Sainz’s form this season has been incredible, and the reality is that he looks a class above this level with how he is playing right now.

Of course, the challenge for Sainz is to maintain that over the course of the season, and whilst he may not keep up the ridiculous numbers, this seems to be his natural talent as opposed to a lucky purple patch.

With that in mind, Norwich will know that Sainz is going to be playing at the highest level very quickly, and if they don’t win promotion, it could be very difficult to convince him to stay in Norfolk.

Either way, though, a swift new deal would benefit all parties, as it would be recognition of the player for his outstanding season, and it would protect his value from the club’s perspective.

It would be no surprise if Sainz wanted agreements in place so that he could leave for a certain fee if the club didn’t go up, but Norwich have shown in the past they won’t stand in the way of a player if a suitable offer arrives.