A major piece of transfer news today indicates that former Sheffield United star Oliver Norwood is on the verge of signing for newly promoted League One side Stockport County in what would be a major boost to Dave Challinor’s side, who have won their opening two fixtures of the new season.
The 57-times capped Northern Ireland international had been a stalwart for the Blades since joining in January 2019 after a successful loan spell and went on to make 252 appearances, including 97 Premier League appearances over three campaigns.
Oliver Norwood’s All-Round Game a Key Factor in Sheffield United Rise to Premier League Football
Sheffield United have jumped between the Championship and Premier League in recent times, having played three of their last five domestic campaigns in the top flight. Midfielder Oliver Norwood missed just 11 games over four league campaigns up to the start of the 2023/24 season, becoming a key figure under all four managers who took charge of the club in that time.
The 33-year-old was a standout star in each of his three Championship seasons for Sheffield United and ranked highly for interceptions and successful tackles in the 2022/23 campaign. He was comfortably their most creative player, providing 1.8 key passes per game, significantly clear of any player in the squad that achieved promotion.
The midfielder ranked first for key passes per game as Sheffield United avoided relegation from the Premier League in 2019/20 and Norwood led the side as captain for large parts of the season, scoring in a 1-1 draw with Watford and providing the assist for the winner against Wolves late in the covid disrupted campaign.
Norwood captained the Blades to wins over the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, Aston Villa and a 3-0 win over Chelsea and will go down as one the greatest midfielders in their recent history. His contract expired this summer and the player has reportedly agreed to a move to League One to prolong his impressive career.
Stockport County Set For Major Transfer Boost
Stockport County have won their opening two games and were awarded The Deck’s Team of the Week for their impressive showing in a 3-0 win at Blackpool. The League Two champions have had an impressive run in recent seasons, finishing 4th in League Two in 2022/23 before sealing the title and being crowned National League champions in 2021/22.
They are set to receive another piece of positive news, as Football Insider are reporting that Oliver Norwood is on the verge of signing for The Hatters and the all-round midfielder would undoubtedly become a regular for the League One side in what is looking to be a strong midfield in the third tier.
They have signed 22-year-old midfielder Lewis Fiorini from Manchester City and the Scotland under-21 international looks a real talent having impressed on loan at Lincoln City previously. He has been joined by Lewis Bate, who has arrived on a free transfer from Leeds United and the former Chelsea academy prospect has already hit the ground running in his two league outings.
Callum Connolly has been signed from Blackpool and joins Callum Camps, who has been a regular in the Stockport County team for the past two seasons. 21-year-old Tyler Onyango is on loan from Everton and the signing of Norwood would add experience to what is a talented but very youthful midfield.
Stockport County host Bristol Rovers this weekend before travelling to Nigel Clough’s Mansfield Town to round out the month of August. The Hatters lost both games against Mansfield Town in League Two last season but the club are in a good place and if the signing of Norwood is confirmed, they may be eyeing yet another promotion push.