In news announced moments ago by Norwich City, the Canaries have signed Barnsley forward Marley Watkins – effective as of July 1.
26-year old Watkins made 42 appearances for the Tykes in last season’s Sky Bet Championship campaign, and has signed a deal until 2020 with the club reserving the right to redeem a further year should they wish this to be the case.
Welshman Watkins was impressive over his 42 appearances for Barnsley (34 starts), scoring ten goals and providing seven assists for the South Yorkshire side.
City are set to complete the signing of Barnsley forward @MarleyWatkins from July 1 on a three-year deal 👉 https://t.co/aKKxRXae3W #ncfc pic.twitter.com/irPcYgKsTW
— Norwich City FC (@NorwichCityFC) June 1, 2017
Watkins’ form for Barnsley not only caught the eye of the Canaries recruitment team, but also that of the Welsh management, the right-sided player being included in a 26-man squad at a training camp in Portugal ahead of a World Cup qualifier against Serbia.
He was released by South Wales side Swansea as a 17-year-old and has found his way to Norwich via stints with Cheltenham, Bath City, Hereford and Inverness Caledonian Thistle.
Speaking to the Canaries website, Watkins said of his move to Norwich: “Norwich is a club with ambitions to be in the Premier League so I’m really happy to have made this decision. Everything is in place at Norwich to be successful. I’m really excited to be joining a project at a team whose ambitions match my own.”
Commenting on his acquisition, Norwich’s first of the summer, new head coach Daniel Farke said: “Marley played brilliantly last season and is proven at this level. He scored ten goals and got nine assists, and can play either as a forward or on the wing. He’s physical and a good character who gives us another option in attack. I’m really looking forward to working with him.”
