Norwich City has made significant roster changes following the conclusion of the Championship season, announcing the departure of 14 players.
Among those leaving is a player who featured in last summer`s European Championship.
These squad adjustments follow closely on the heels of interim manager Jack Wilshere`s confirmation that he will not be appointed the permanent head coach.
The former Arsenal and England midfielder took temporary charge in April after Johannes Hoff Thorup was sacked.
Norwich finished a disappointing 13th in the Championship. The list of released players includes three senior squad members.
These are goalkeeper Angus Gunn, long-serving Cuban winger Oriel Hernandez, and Danish midfielder Jacob Sorensen.
Norwich-born Gunn, aged 29, previously played for England Under-21s before switching his international allegiance to Scotland. He started all three of Scotland`s Euro 2024 matches.
A club statement confirmed: “As previously announced, first-team players Angus Gunn, Jacob Sorensen and Oriel Hernandez will leave the club at the end of their contracts this summer.”
“Archie Mair and Jonathan Tomkinson will also depart the club upon expiry of their contracts, while Callum Doyle will return to parent club Manchester City following his season-long loan spell at Carrow Road.”
“Discussions remain ongoing with Aston Villa and Lewis Dobbin over a potential extension to his loan deal.”
“Discussions are also ongoing with Manchester City and Jacob Wright over triggering an option to make the midfielder’s move to Carrow Road permanent.”
“Caleb Ansen and Ken Aboh both return from their loan spells, while Brad Hills and Emmanuel Adegboyega remain at their loan clubs until the end of their respective campaigns.”
“The club have also triggered a one-year extension option in Adegboyega’s contract.”
“Jonathan Rowe’s loan to Marseille will become a permanent deal, following the obligation to buy in the agreement between the two clubs.”
“Academy players Lewis Shipley, Tom Finch, Adian Manning, Ellis Craven, Daniel Ogwuru, Alfie Doy, Alex Roberts, Kingston Simbai and Gabriel Keita will also be leaving the club.”
“Henry Bullen, Hugo Valencia Gomez and Lloyd Ofori-Manteaw will all sign professional deals with the club on July 1, whilst Harmony Okwumo will sign a contract extension.”
“The club would like to thank all departing players for their contribution and wish them well for the future.”
Interim boss Wilshere oversaw a 0-0 draw against Middlesbrough and a victory over Cardiff City on the final day of the season.
However, his brief period in charge was not sufficient to persuade the club`s hierarchy to appoint him permanently.
Speaking to the BBC, Norwich sporting director Ben Knapper commented on Wilshere`s situation: “Jack is a fantastic person, he and I have a big history together.”
“He`s a great coach and will be a fantastic head coach, but that`s not going to be here at this particular moment in time.”
“Naturally, he`s disappointed. He`s super-ambitious, and he should be, but for where we are right now and the context, we`re focusing externally.”
“The emotional part, the romantic part of me would love to make that decision but my job is to not get wrapped up in emotion and to make cool, objective decisions.”
