“Ambitions...” - Andre Brooks explains Sheffield United transfer exit as Norwich City move leaves fans scratching heads
“Ambitions...” - Andre Brooks explains Sheffield United transfer exit as Norwich City move leaves fans scratching heads
Andre Brooks admitted that Norwich City’s “ambitions and goals” were the driving factors behind his move to Norfolk after he waved goodbye to his boyhood club this afternoon. The Blades accepted a substantial bid for the 23-year-old which we understand could reach more than £10m with add-ons.
The Blades have already identified a list of replacements for the winger, who scored six goals and three assists last season to win the players’ player of the year and young player of the year awards at Bramall Lane.
Brooks had two years left on his contract and United elected to do business now rather than risk being forced to sell for a knockdown fee in 12 months’ time. But selling to a Championship rival is unlikely to have gone down well with Unitedites after the move, which we revealed this afternoon, officially went through.
"I’m absolutely ready for the challenge ahead,” said Brooks after his unveiling. “Speaking to the gaffer and all of the staff, their ambitions and goals for the season really appealed to me.
"As a winger, I think the head coach will want me to play on both sides, attack and defend, and I feel like I’m the perfect man for that. I’m just going to try and help him and the team as much as I can.
"We’re all here to work hard every day and to make sure that we’re all doing the right things. If we all do that together, the football will take care of itself.
“I’ve spoken to Sam McCallum, who was here before and he spoke very highly of the club and its staff. I know Norwich finished last season really strongly, so we’ll be doing everything we can to maintain that momentum."
Brooks came through the academy at United and was converted into a winger from his former midfield role, to great success. Norwich sporting director Ben Knapper added: “I’m absolutely thrilled to welcome Andre and his family to Norwich City.
"He is an extremely exciting and talented player and is somebody that we feel fits us fantastically. We have admired him from afar for some time now and when the opportunity arose to sign him, we didn’t hesitate.
"He has been developing well over the past couple of seasons and he joins us at an exciting stage of both his and our journeys. He has solid experience across both the Championship and Premier League and he’s someone that we feel still has so much potential for growth.
"With his technical quality, athleticism, and general profile as a player highly capable both in and out of possession, we’re incredibly excited to have him help take us to the next level.
"We have big belief in him and we’re sure that together we can achieve great things."