How do Norwich replace Borja Sainz?

Borja Sainz has left Norwich City for FC Porto, prompting speculation about his replacement. Callum Pawley explores the potential replacements. This includes Metz winger Pape Amadou Diallo and Blackburn Rovers winger Tyrhys Dolan.

INMR

July 29, 2025

2–3 minutes

Blackburn, Borja Sainz, Borja Sainz Norwich, Borja Sainz Porto, Callum Pawley, Championship, EFL, EFL Championship, Feature, Metz, Norwich, Pape Amadou Diallo, Porto, Thrhys Dolan

Borja Sainz, one of the best players in the Championship last season, has departed Norwich City to join FC Porto. There was much speculation as to how the Canaries would replace him, but it looks as though they have found their man.

Norwich are now favourites to beat competition from Watford to sign Metz winger Pape Amadou Diallo. The 21-year-old will most certainly serve as a direct replacement for Sainz.

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According to reports from Sky Sports, Diallo had already completed a medical with Watford, but the move could not be finalised due to visa difficulties. This has enabled Norwich to swoop in for the player who is believed to be able to be registered without issue by the club.

As for the player, Diallo featured 28 times in Ligue 2 last season, providing seven goals and four assists as Metz achieved promotion. They did so via the relegation/promotion playoffs, where he provided an assist in Metz’s second-leg victory over Reims.

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Diallo will have a tall order to replace the numbers of Sainz last season, as the Spaniard recorded 18 goals and four assists in the Championship. However, his disciplinary record was far from exemplary. Earlier this year, Sainz was handed a six-game ban for spitting at Sunderland’s Chris Mepham.

While his talent was undeniable, losing Sainz may not be as big an issue for Norwich City as first thought. Should they bring in a replacement in the way of Diallo, they could impress next season under the guidance of Liam Manning.

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Elsewhere, there have been links made between the club and Tyrhys Dolan, who seems an obvious fit, having been released by Blackburn Rovers following the expiration of his contract. The winger also impressed last season, providing 13 goal involvements in the league.

Norwich have already made several notable signings this summer, as they look to bolster their chances of vying for promotion. However, it is believed that forward Josh Sargent will also depart the club in a move to VFL Wolfsberg, as per Kicker.

Losing both Sainz and Sargent in the same window will be a major blow for the club, and a suitable replacement for the American who featured in the Championship Team of the Season last campaign.

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Written by Callum Pawley