Rangers are reportedly close to signing Kieran Dowell this summer and Norwich City have now confirmed that the former Everton midfielder will be leaving Carrow Road on a free transfer.
Monday’s final day of the season clash with already-relegated Blackpool will serve as a farewell for a number of David Wagner’s squad.
In addition to Sam Byram, Teemu Pukki, Michael McGovern and Daniel Sinani, Dowell is heading for the exit when his contract expires at the end of June.
“I’d like to thank the boys for their contribution to the club over the time they have been with us,” sporting director Stuart Webber tells the Norwich website.
“Kieran and Sam both enjoyed being in the squad for the record-breaking points tally we have achieved in the Championship in 2021. Kieran scored some valuable goals during the run in.
“We wish all of the players well.”
Rangers can now sign Norwich City’s Kieran Dowell for free
Byram has made just 15 league appearances during another injury-hit campaign. His worrying fitness record may be a complicating factor in his hopes of finding employment elsewhere. Dowell has had a few spells on the sidelines himself. But it seems Rangers are ready to overlook any potential drawbacks while offering the 25-year-old a fresh start at Ibrox.
The Daily Record say that Dowell has ‘agreed’ a three-year deal with Rangers.
A talented, attack-minded midfielder, Dowell has five goals and three assists this term despite not starting regularly in Norwich colours. The former England U21 international, who joined the Canaries in a £1.5 million deal after failing to make the grade at Everton, will be hoping to emulate the impact made by fellow Championship export Todd Cantwell north of the border.
Dowell is capable of playing in a deeper role behind the languid, graceful Cantwell.
Rangers appear to be prioritising a midfielder to slot in alongside January recruit Nicolas Raskin. And Dowell’s free-agent status makes him far more affordable and attainable than the likes of Hwang In-Beom and Denis Huseinbasic.
“They are talking about Kieran Dowell. Norwich is a club I follow closely. He’s hardly played any games,” former Canaries coach – and Celtic legend – Peter Grant tells the Go Radio Football Show.
“There’s no doubt of his talent. (But) he never seems fit.”
“You look at what happened with big John Souttar,” Grant adds. “He had a few injury problems and then ended up having a fracture. I just think (Rangers) have to be very careful.
“You need to get all these guys fit and then it maybe looks a bit better.”
