Norwich City sign Ante Crnac and send Jonathan Rowe on loan to Marseille

Norwich City have bolstered their attacking options with the signing of Croatian forward Ante Crnac from Polish side Raków Częstochowa.

The 20-year-old arrives on a four-year deal, with the club holding an option for an additional year. Crnac, who has represented Croatia at all youth levels from Under-14s to Under-21s, expressed his excitement about joining Norwich, stating, “I cannot describe how excited I am and I can't wait to get on the pitch and play.”

Crnac started his career with Moslavina before moving through the Dinamo Zagreb youth system and later playing for Slaven Belupo. During his time at Raków Częstochowa, he featured in the Europa League.

Sporting director Ben Knapper praised the young forward’s potential, saying, "Ante is a very exciting talent, and someone we have been tracking for some time."

He added that Crnac "will need time to adapt to his new surroundings, team-mates and style of play, but we believe he can have success here in both the medium and long term."

In addition to this new signing, Norwich City have confirmed the departure of 21-year-old forward Jonathan Rowe on a season-long loan to Olympique de Marseille. The loan agreement includes an option for the French club to buy Rowe at the end of the season.

Rowe, a product of Norwich’s academy, has made significant strides in recent seasons, scoring 13 goals in all competitions last term and earning his first England U23s cap in October 2023.

Reflecting on his departure, Knapper commented, “Jonny was a player we were keen to have as an asset in our squad for the season and years ahead. Whilst we were disappointed in the way in which certain things have played out in recent weeks, I’m pleased that we’ve been able to act quickly and efficiently to ensure that the club has received the best possible deal.”

Knapper also wished Rowe well in his new venture, stating, “He is a good person and a fantastic player, and we will all continue to follow his progress with great interest. We wish him well in this next, exciting step of his career.”

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