Ben Gibson and Dimitris Giannoulis have joined Norwich City on permanent transfers from Burnley and PAOK for an undisclosed fee until June 2024.
Gibson switched from Turf Moor to Carrow Road last season on a successful loan deal in which he scored one goal in 28 appearances across all competitions, as Norwich sealed promotion to the Premier League as 2020-21 Sky Bet Championship champions.
Clearly “delighted” with his “dream” transfer on a three-year contract, Gibson described last season’s success as “remarkable” despite suffering an ankle injury towards the end of season, having “fulfilled” all of his “clear goals” that he had set when he made the loan move.
Having previously spent three seasons in the top flight with Middlesbrough and Burnley despite not making a single league appearance during 2019-20 campaign for the Clarets, Gibson “can’t wait to have another crack” at achieving success in the Premier League.
Norwich manager, Daniel Farke praised Gibson for his “class and personality” in helping stabilise their defence, whilst acting as a “great leader” with “fantastic” influence in the dressing room following a disastrous 2019-20 campaign with 82 goals conceded in 43 matches.
Giannoulis Joins Canaries
Dimitris Giannoulis has also signed a three-year contract after spending the second half of last season on loan from PAOK, in which he made 16 league appearances.
Speaking on his decision to make his loan deal permanent, Giannoulis said: “I am really happy to be here. After the first four months that was a loan, now it is a permanent deal, and I can’t wait for next season.”
The Greek has also revealed his excitement at playing in the Premier League this season and test “our limits as players”, although he is anticipating a “difficult” season despite feeling ready and has vowed to “work so hard in pre-season to compete against these top teams.”
Farke added that he was “always fully convinced” by Giannoulis’ potential and experience and believes that he will be an asset this season.
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