By Howard Green.
This time last year, Teemu Pukki’s formidable first season in the Championship with Norwich City was a topic of interest for many Premier League clubs, but after Norwich’s disastrous but somewhat predictable Premier League return, is it likely he will leave the club this summer?
Despite being Norwich’s top scorer this season, he has not been one of the standout players at the club. His strike record started well in the early stages of the season, but Norwich manager Daniel Farke favoured Josip Drmic in many starting line-ups after lockdown.
What’s difficult to decipher about Pukki, is whether his overall form has been affected by some of the disappointing performances other Norwich players have put in this season. But with the brilliant playmaker Emi Buendía playing behind him, why hasn’t he put them in the back of the net when needed?
7 Reasons Norwich Were Relegated And How They Might Fix Things Going Forward
Factors such as having a far less prolific season, ending up being out of favour, and questions about his ability, mean that Pukki is no longer linked to the clubs he was this time last year. But this hasn’t stopped some rumours from spreading.
According to Fotospor, Pukki has been linked to Turkish titans Beşiktaş. With the departure of their veteran striker, Burak Yılmaz, it would be ideal for the Istanbul club to sign a somewhat ageing but in-their-prime striker.
With Pukki now 30 years old, he would be following in the footsteps of many proven strikers and attacking players in joining the Süper Lig. Players such as Wesley Sneijder and Daniel Sturridge.
But there also seems to be interest within the Premier League. Burnley have been linked, and are looking to replace some of their out of contract talent.
Newly-promoted West Bromwich Albion are similarly keen according to LancsLive. This may mean many clubs think Pukki has been wasted this season, and ended up underperforming due to the disappointing season Norwich have had overall.
Although far from being the brightest talent in the relegated Norwich side this season, Pukki’s career is not over. I’m sure Norwich will prefer to keep some of their younger talents, such as Todd Cantwell, ahead of Pukki.
Farke has ruled out a transfer for the moment, so Pukki should remain at the club who is still desperate to keep him.